The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to urge Harvard University to engage in good-faith negotiations with custodial and security workers represented by 32BJ/SEIU.

Councilors said the resolution was prompted by public testimony from campus workers and repeated concerns that frontline staff, who must work in person, were not receiving pay and benefits commensurate with the risks and cost of living. "We are looking for fair and equitable wages that reflect society at this point in time," said Eugene Ivy, a Harvard custodian who testified during the council's public-comment period.

The resolution asks Harvard to address pay, affordable health care, retirement benefits and improved protections for immigrant workers. "These are dangerous jobs," Councilor Sabrina Wheeler said when she introduced the measure. "Harvard needs to stand up for its workers."

Vice Mayor McGovern and Councilor Nolan both voiced support, noting the recurring nature of labor disputes at large universities and the council's limited formal authority over private institutions but clear willingness to publicly press employers operating in the city. "A university cannot operate without workers," Nolan said.

The resolution passed on a unanimous roll-call vote of nine members.

Council action followed public comments from two Harvard employees who described stalled contract talks and requested the city's support. "During the pandemic we were called essential workers," said Yaya Bichinka, a Harvard security officer. "We need improved protection for immigrant members." Ivy and Bichinka urged the council to back bargaining that addresses wages and immigrant worker protections.

The council did not direct any specific enforcement action against Harvard; the adopted order is a public urging of the university to negotiate with its employees.

Votes at a glance: The council adopted the policy order urging Harvard to negotiate with 32BJ/SEIU by a unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote.