Harvard University has been stockpiling frozen food in anticipation of a dining hall worker strike that commenced Wednesday morning, The Harvard Crimson reported.
The strike, the first one at the Ivy League university in more than 30 years, was spurred by failed contract negotiations between Harvard and UNITE HERE Local 26, the union representing Harvard University Dining Service (HUDS) workers.
Local 26 called for year-round work and a minimum salary of $35,000, as well as requesting that Harvard not raise out of pocket health costs.
Before the strike, Harvard increased the frozen items available in freezers so that students would have food.
"Things like stuffed peppers, mac and cheese, and soups are taking up so much space in the freezers that a lot of halls don’t have the space to hold the current menu items we need," Laquiesha N. Rainey, a HUDS worker, told The Crimson.
Roughly 500 of the 750 total HUDS workers were out on strike on Wednesday. Images of the strike are circulating on social media.
HUDS workers and supporters chant "Hey, Harvard you can't hide; we can see your greedy side," as they march through the Square. @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/zKzAtAIS0X
Strikers rally in the Science Center plaza, shouting, "Worker Power!" #HUDSstrike @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/Ksu81UEMi9
— Hannah Natanson (@hannah_natanson) October 5, 2016Harvard students have joined in on the protests in a show of solidarity.
Students deliver food this morning from the dining halls to Harvard @HUDSInfo workers during the strike @thecrimson @crimson_photo pic.twitter.com/RIjOAGD39Q
— Annie Schugart (@AnnieSchugart) October 5, 2016
Students and strikers shout, "This corporate greed has got to go!" as they file toward Annenberg's picket line. #HUDSstrike @thecrimson pic.twitter.com/B1rgdCd5NP
— Hannah Natanson (@hannah_natanson) October 5, 2016For its part, Harvard says it values the contributions of its dining services employees, but blames their union for contract negotiation breakdowns.
"We are disappointed that they have been more interested in planning a strike than working on a solution that meets the needs of their members and the wider community," Harvard said in a statement provided to Business Insider.
