Demonstrators Arrested as Striking Dining Workers Stage Harvard Square Sit-In

CAMBRIDGE, MA — In an ongoing protest over wages and health benefits, striking Harvard University dining workers staged a sit-in strike in the center of Harvard Square Friday afternoon, resulting in multiple arrests, according to the Cambridge Police Department.

Deputy Superintendent Jack Albert told Patch the demonstration was coordinated with police ahead of time, in order to manage law enforcement support and traffic.

Protesters marched into Harvard Square and staged a "die-in," he said, seating themselves in the midst of the busy thoroughfare at the middle of Brattle Street, Mass. Ave., and John F. Kennedy Street. Police ordered the striking workers to clear the street. When they did not comply, police placed the protesters under arrest, leading them away in handcuffs, Albert said.

According to Albert, about 15 were placed under arrest; the union said in a press release that the number was 11, comprised of nine dining hall workers and two union negotiators.

Those arrested will be charged with Disorderly Conduct.

UNITE HERE Local 26 represents dining service workers at Harvard. The union voted to strike, effective Oct. 5, after months of negotiations with the university yielded no agreement over benefits and wages.

Harvard officials previously told Patch its dining workers "receive some of the most generous hourly wages and benefits for food service workers in the region," and that it has bargained in good faith throughout.

Photo courtesy @ylichterman