Mount Holyoke workers strike for fair wages and conditions

Source: WWLP

by: Nick Antonakas Posted: Sep 2, 2025 / 06:33 AM EDT Updated: Sep 2, 2025 / 01:25 PM EDT

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – Workers at Mount Holyoke College are striking just before classes start, demanding higher wages and access to a legal fund.

The strike involves nearly 200 dining hall, facility, and housekeeping workers who have been in negotiations with the college since April. The workers are calling for a pay raise to $24.59 per hour, a figure they derived using MIT’s living wage calculator for Hampshire County.

Mount Holyoke College stated, “Mount Holyoke College values and recognizes the contributions of all its employees and has been an active participant in the ongoing contract discussions. Meetings have been held regularly since April, and the College remains committed to reaching a successful conclusion while continuing to provide an exceptional student experience.”

The workers are also seeking access to a legal fund that would provide them with legal representation on civic cases, paid for by the employer. This demand is part of their broader efforts to secure better working conditions.

Read more: https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampshire-county/mount-holyoke-workers-strike-for-fair-wages-and-conditions/