Hall.”
Although PSLM was not the principle organizer of the rally, the group spent several weeks postering, calling and emailing students to urge them to attend.
“This is momentous because the janitors who clean our hallways need our
support in their upcoming contract negotiations,” Mackinnon said.
Organizers said Friday’s rally was geared towards SEIU’s upcoming negotiations, but speakers also drew attention to the ongoing activities of the Harvard Committee on Employment and Contracting Policy, popularly known as the Katz Committee.
The committee, convened by former President Neil L. Rudenstine in the aftermath of the sit-in, is charged with making recommendations to University President Lawrence H. Summers on Harvard’s employment standards. With the report due on Dec. 19, PSLM member say they plan to press the issue in the context of the union negotiations.
“It’s up to us to pressure Summers to make sure he follows the recommendations,” Mackinnon said. “[Summers and the members of the Corporation] have to feel the heat.”
—Staff writer Daniela J. Lamas contributed to the reporting of this article.
—Staff writer Ross A. Macdonald can be reached at jrmacdon@fas.harvard.edu.