Harvard security officers reached a tentative agreement for a new contract that includes pay increases and protection for existing benefits on Thursday, more than three months after their previous agreement expired, according to the security officers’ union.
The officers are employed by Securitas Security Services USA, a third-party agency contracted by Harvard, according to the university’s website.
Members of the bargaining committee, who belong to 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, represented almost 300 officers in negotiations, 32BJ said in a statement.
The tentative agreement includes wage increases of $4 an hour over the life of the four-year contract, a $500 bonus, and an improved overnight shift differential, the statement said.
“It’s an agreement that more clearly acknowledges the value of our work as security officers at Harvard,” Yahya Bajinka a member of the bargaining committee said. “Especially through the pandemic, very high inflation, political unrest, snowstorms, and everything else we have faced over these past few years.”
New language on workplace harassment was also included in the agreement, as well as improved language defending the job security of immigrant workers and prayer accommodations for all faiths, the union said.
The security officer’s agreement came shortly after Harvard custodians, who are also 32BJ members, reached an agreement on March 3, after facing “extended and difficult negotiations,” the statement said.
The union expects to hold voting on the tentative security agreement around March 23 and 24, when the custodians will also vote on their agreement.
Chloe Pisani can be reached at chloe.pisani@globe.com.