Over 160 workers at the Harvard Club of Boston joined UFCW Local 1445 on March 6.
The Harvard Club of Boston, a membership club with restaurants, lodging, and athletic facilities, caters to alumni of Harvard University as a high-end gathering place and social club and a place to rub shoulders with other well-placed and powerful industry leaders. The workers, who are employed in positions ranging from cooks to bartenders to housekeepers, joined our union for a voice in the workplace and the better wages and benefits that come with a union contract.
The campaign to organize these workers focused on engagement and building a strong organizing committee so that workers could take ownership of both the organizing process and outcome. Organizers also ensured that each department had a dedicated worker leader helping to guide the effort. Many of these workers previously had experience with another union that ultimately withdrew, which gave them a clear understanding of the value and importance of securing a strong union contract. Their experience helped fuel the successful effort to join UFCW Local 1445.
Workers at the Harvard Club of Boston are looking forward to negotiating their first union contract.
“As dedicated workers at Harvard club, we have been seeking to win fair wages here for a long time,” said Andy Bertrand. “Previous efforts with another union led to a lapse in contract for over two years and a loss in affiliation. Despite those difficulties, we understand the clear benefit that having a union contract provides, and we were very excited to begin an effort with UFCW Local 1445. We care a lot about the service we provide the club members here and are ready to move forward and win strong benefits and wage increases. We are expected to provide ‘five-star service’ and want to make sure we are compensated accordingly.”
“This was a hard-fought and well deserved victory for all of the workers at the Harvard Club,” said Arturo Hernandez. “We enjoy the work we do, but we know that we need protection on the job and having a union is the best way to ensure we have it. We look forward to sitting down with leadership of the Harvard Club and bargaining for a strong contract to provide meaningful gains for workers in every department.”
“The members of Harvard Club come here with the expectation that this will be a home away from home,” said Susana Cabrera. “The quality of service that we provide really makes that difference, and we hear from our regular members all the time how satisfied they are with how we do our jobs. Harvard Club has been a good place to work, but recently many of us have been feeling the crunch with our pay not matching the increased cost of living. We worked hard to engage our co-workers throughout this process, and we’re overjoyed now that we see the light at the end of the tunnel and a way to improve pay and benefits with the help of the union.”
“We are thrilled to welcome these members to our UFCW family,” said UFCW Local 1445 President Fernando Lemus. “We know what it’s like to fight for members focusing on preparing great food and drinks and providing expert customer service. Harvard Club members pay a premium for the exclusive environment, and these workers make that experience worth their money. We look forward to bargaining a strong contract to ensure they are paid accordingly.”