Bargaining Update #47: August 31, 2026

TLDR; We presented three counters and Admin returned four. We moved to 17% (admin’s previous proposal was 3%) as an initial raise for our members as an effort to get Admin to bargain more seriously over raises while maintaining a tangible improvement for salaries. In admin’s proposals they continue to insist that stipendees should not be included in our union. They also reject any request for enrollment caps on course sections.

We kicked off the session with proposals on Compensation and COLA where we adjusted our initial salary increase to 17%. We also re-asserted step systems tied to experience to ensure equity in hiring and pay across our unit. We continue to reiterate the need for compensation that makes up for the lack of raises over recent years and provides a respectable standard of living going forward. Admin previously offered insultingly low 3% FY26 salary increases that would not make up for years of inadequacy. Our new proposal maintains the increase our workers need while extending an olive branch to Admin hoping they bring more offers in future proposals.

In our Health Benefits package we proposed a 5% cap on premium increases to prevent it from outpacing the cost of living adjustments and raises we’re proposing. We also propose a system for receiving subsidized COBRA in events where an Employee or Employee’s eligible dependent no longer qualifies for medical, vision, and dental coverage. Last, we countered with our most recent edition of the Paid Leave article. While we are making progress on issues like Vacation and Personal Days, Admin remains resistant to our proposals to improve parental leave and to provide paid time off for victims of abuse. 

After no counters from admin at the last session, Admin came with four articles at the table this time. This shows that they are responding to our recent strike pressures. Under the Titles and Classifications article Admin continues to resist including stipendee researchers in the bargaining unit, even as we make progress towards agreement on Lecturer classifications 

In their counter for Workloads, Admin largely agreed with our previous offer but adamantly rejected any caps on enrollments for certain types of course sections, an important workload protection for teachers whose workload is directly related to the number of students they teach in a given semester. Admin also gave counters on Academic Promotions and Professional Standing.

Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for: 

  • Friday, September 18th from 10:00 – 1:00
  • Friday, September 25th from 2:00 – 5:00 
  • Monday, October 5th from 11:00 – 2:00 
  • Monday, October 19th from 11:00 – 2:00 
  • Friday, October 30th from 10:30 – 1:30 

You can sign up here to attend! 

Also, to keep showing Harvard that we need a fair contract now, join us at our practice pickets on September 23 at noon at the Science Center Plaza and HMS Quad!