HGSU Local 5118 Strike Continues Through Harvard Commencement

Catherine Graugard

29 May, 2026

Over the past 15 months, the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU-UAW) representing research and teaching assistants has fought to secure a fair contract. On April 21, HGSU-UAW members began what is now the longest strike in the local’s history.

Given that Harvard’s administration has refused to make any meaningful progress in bargaining since the beginning of the strike, HGSU-UAW continued picketing through this week’s commencement activities, asking scheduled speakers not to cross the picket line and instead join members on strike.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark joined HGSU-UAW members on the picket line this week, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu cancelled her scheduled remarks at Harvard Law School’s commencement in solidarity. "A picket line is only as strong as the solidarity it commands, and we are grateful to Mayor Wu for her support," the union wrote.

Among the issues UAW members are fighting for are living wages so that workers at the richest university in the world no longer qualify for food stamps, contractual protections against rampant sexual harassment on campus, and the university’s commitment to not allow ICE on campus except with a judicial warrant.

Join HGSU from 1 to 4 PM on the picket line outside this afternoon’s bargaining session, and follow @hgsuuaw on Instagram for the latest updates on how to support the strike!

In the news:

Harvard Crimson: A Month Without TFs: How HGSU-UAW’s Strike Reshaped the End of the Spring Semester (May 28)
Mass Live: Mayor Wu drops Harvard Class Day speech to honor grad student strike (May 27)
In These Times: A Conversation With Graduate Student Workers on Strike at Harvard (May 27)
Harvard Crimson: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Withdraws as HLS Class Day Speaker After Union Urges Her Not to Cross Picket Line (May 27)
WBZ: Mayor Wu Withdraws From Harvard Law School Class Day Ceremony (May 27)
Harvard Crimson: Graduate Student Union Protest Disrupts Class of 2026 Baccalaureate Events (May 27)
Cambridge Day: Lesley faculty ratify contract; Harvard, MIT unions feel stalled (May 23)