Harvard Graduate Students Union

Harvard Graduate Students Union
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Formation	2018
Type	Labor union
Headquarters	Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Membership	Graduate students
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	hgsu.org

The Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU) is a labor union representing graduate student workers at Harvard University. Formed in 2018, HGSU is affiliated with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and advocates for the rights and interests of graduate students employed by the university in various capacities, including teaching and research.

History

The movement to unionize graduate students at Harvard began in earnest in the early 2010s, as students sought to address issues such as pay, benefits, and working conditions. In 2016, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that graduate students at private universities could be considered employees, paving the way for unionization efforts at institutions like Harvard.

In April 2018, after a contentious campaign, Harvard graduate students voted to form a union, with the HGSU-UAW winning the election. The union's formation was part of a broader trend of graduate student unionization across the United States.

Objectives

HGSU's primary objectives include:

• Negotiating fair wages and benefits: The union seeks to ensure that graduate student workers receive competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance and parental leave.
• Improving working conditions: HGSU advocates for safe and supportive working environments, addressing issues such as harassment and discrimination.
• Securing job security and academic freedom: The union works to protect the rights of graduate students as both employees and scholars, ensuring they have the freedom to pursue their academic interests without undue interference.

Activities

Since its formation, HGSU has engaged in various activities to support its members, including:

• Collective bargaining: Negotiating contracts with Harvard University to secure better terms for graduate student workers.
• Organizing events and workshops: Providing resources and training for members on topics such as labor rights and professional development.
• Advocacy and outreach: Engaging with the broader Harvard community and beyond to raise awareness of issues affecting graduate student workers.

Challenges

HGSU has faced several challenges, including:

• Negotiating with the university: Reaching agreements on contracts can be a lengthy and complex process, requiring compromise and persistence.
• Maintaining member engagement: Ensuring that a diverse and transient membership remains active and involved in union activities.

Impact

The formation of HGSU has had a significant impact on the Harvard community, highlighting the role of graduate students as essential contributors to the university's mission. The union has also contributed to a broader national conversation about the rights of graduate student workers.

Also see

• Harvard University
• United Auto Workers
• National Labor Relations Board
• Graduate student unionization in the United States