Who We Are

The Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW), also known as AFSCME Local 3650, is a labor union made up of more than 5,000 skilled and committed staff working in every corner of the University — in Harvard’s offices, laboratories, libraries, museums, houses, and clinics. Our union has been negotiating and collaborating constructively with Harvard’s administrative and academic leaders for nearly 30 years. We have negotiated ten agreements that have been recognized, within the University and more broadly, for their thoughtful attention to modern workplace issues, innovative benefit design, and consistent, energetic emphasis on workplace learning, flexibility, and positive union-management relations. We are affiliated with the national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Some of us are on our way to graduate school; others of us are making our careers here. Although we may hold different views and speak in many voices, we speak together as a Union for the things that matter to us: pay and benefits, and also flexibility, work-life balance, and self-determination in the workplace.

All members are encouraged to participate in the work of the Union, and many choose to do so. This might involve anything from serving in an elected position such as Union Rep or Joint Council member to simply attending informal local lunchtime meetings from time to time. But perhaps the most important work of our Union is staying in regular contact with each other, discussing workplace issues, large or small. Simply introducing yourself to a new colleague and telling them about our unique Union can be a powerful act.