Local 26 enters five-year agreement

The University and the union representing Harvard dining service and Faculty Club workers, HEREIU Local 26 (Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union) have entered into a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The agreement, which was ratified by union members last week, will become effective on June 20. Under its terms, the 500 workers employed in student dining halls, the Faculty Club, and campus restaurants, will see substantial, across-the-board increases in pay – increases that, in the words of the union, “raised the bar,” particularly for those working in campus restaurants.

According to James LaBua, Harvard’s Deputy Director of Labor Relations, “the long-standing relationship between HEREIU Local 26 and the University has been a positive and constructive one and this most recent agreement is another example of the University’s commitment to negotiation as a way to meet the needs of both parties. The new agreement demonstrates the value of the collective bargaining process which allows for determination of wage and other key issues in a context that balances many aspects of the employment relationship including job security, duration of the agreement, and the grievance resolution processes.”

The collective bargaining process has allowed Harvard and the HEREIU to agree on criterion for hiring casual employees and a cap of 10 percent on the number of hours casual employees may work in a fiscal year. These decisions ensure appropriate levels of staff while at the same time protecting the jobs of workers. The parties also agreed to revisions in sick-leave policy and holiday pay eligibility.