HGSU-UAW Ends 40-Day Strike Without Contract

Source: The Crimson

By Wyeth Renwick and Claire L. Simon, Contributing Writers
12 hours ago
Updated June 1, 2026, at 8:01 p.m.

The Harvard Graduate Student Union-United Auto Workers ended its 40-day strike on Monday without securing a new contract, closing the longest walkout in the union’s history.

A vast majority of participating union members — more than 81 percent — voted over the weekend to end the strike, according to HGSU-UAW Vice President Evan R. Lemire. Another 15 percent voted to continue the strike, while roughly 4 percent abstained.

Lemire introduced the motion to authorize an end to the strike at an all-membership meeting Friday, citing what he described as Harvard’s willingness to move on pay parity between research assistants and teaching fellows, paid family and medical leave, and a discrimination and harassment grievance process.

“Harvard has indicated in a way that they haven’t before that they’re willing to move on some of our key issues,” Lemire said. “This strike was not ended because the fight is over. The fight is not over, and we’re going to be continuing to fight for a new contract.”


HGSU-UAW rallies outside the gate to Loeb House during the University's 375th Commencement. | By Megan L. Blonigen

Read more: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/6/2/hgsu-ends-strike/