Clark Undergraduate Workers Strike
On Thursday, March 13, the Undergraduate Student Workers of Clark University began a strike. In a majority decision, the student body voted to strike on March 11. Since 6 a.m., students have been walking the picket lines at both the Maywood Street loading dock, and the Main Gates of Clark on Main Street. Faculty and employee supervisors have been made aware of the strike by an email was sent out by Provost John Magee. Administrators have yet to share a response publicly about the ongoing strike.
This is a developing story.
Disclaimer: This and all live updates are written and reported by Scarlet members who are not actively participating in the picket line at any point.
All Photos by Morgan Parisse
Live Updates
Check in throughout the day for live updates.
March 14 – 12 a.m.
City council member Etel Haxhiaj joined the picket line. “This is my second time. I was here with the graduate students who were striking, and I came because I feel an obligation to be in solidarity with students. We all need to fight for better wages, and this is not an easy environment for anyone, you all do a lot of work, and you deserve to be considered a bargaining unit and fight for better wages. So I hope Clark University administration stops insulting you, does the right thing, and recognizes you as your bargaining unit,” said Haxhiaj.
Students will continue to picket overnight. Student worker Kalon Shepard shared, “I’ll be out here for most of the night, but we’re taking shifts and supporting each other. We’re all gonna take our turns.” At 9:50 p.m., the strikers stopped drumming and playing music but continued to chant and walk. Hand warmers, food and warm beverages are being handed out for those picketing in the 30 degree weather.
At 10:30 p.m., the strike organizers received a letter from City Counselors sent to President David Fithian. This letter stated, “… This is deeply disturbing to learn that Clark University is shrinking from its commitment to social justice and worker rights. I strongly urge you to sign a neutrality card check agreement with the undergraduate workers and Teamsters Local 170…” This letter was signed by City Councilor George J. Russell, Mayor Joseph M. Petty, City Councilor Candy F. Mero-Carlson, City Councilor Khrystian E. King, City Councilor Thu Nguyen, City Councilor Katheleen M. Toomey, and City Councilor Jenny Pacillo. The full letter can be found at the bottom of this page.
Union Organizer Beatrice, shared, “The funds that are supporting workers who are participating in the strike are through a charitable foundation, that people have donated to have funding support for striking workers who experience economic hardship. They are run by an independent organization. They are not owned by the union whatsoever, and they are available to any workers that are attempting to use a strike to reach recognition.” For students to receive money from the strike fund, they sign in and out when they come to strike.
March 13 – 9 p.m.
From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., three teams of students were cooking dinner for the strikers in Johnson Sanford Center and Maywood Street Hall. The students made Spanish rice and beans, and they made enough to feed 100 people. The team of 23 students hopes to continue this for at least the next two days. Maya Fiallos Wylie, who helped cook, shared, “I signed up to cook for Thursday because I figured it would be a tangible way I could help; I feel most motivated and energized when I can see the physical product of my efforts. This experience reminded me that there are so many ways to help a cause and there is so much that goes into organizing something on this scale!”
This food is helping fuel those on the picket line. An ITS worker, who was asked how many hours they would be striking, shared, “I mean, hopefully as many as I can. Pretty much any moment I’m free… anytime I can be an extra body on the picket.” As well as dinner, there are snacks, drinks, masks, COVID tests, and other free items to aid strikers.
Thu Nguyen endorsed the strike through a post on Instagram earlier today. Nguyen’s statement began by saying, “As a Clark alum, an organizer who has unionized and served as a union rep before, and a current City Councilor At-Large, who continues to advocate for affordable housing, food security, and bettering the livelihood of Worcester Residents, I am extremely disappointed by Clark University’s decision to push back against the unionizing of undergraduate workers.”
As the sun set several students gave their thoughts on the state of the strike:
An office assistant at the picket line, drumming on an empty Home Depot bucket who wished to stay anonymous, said “I’m hoping this gets done by Saturday… hopefully under a week”
Another student worker who works at the ITS help desk said, “I’ve been a little frustrated by the way they’ve been treating student workers; I’d say that ITS has been one of the luckier (jobs) in terms of how we’ve been treated. But I’ve seen the frustration from my other friends, and I just don’t think that’s something we can allow to continue.”
As of 7:30 p.m., the picket line has condensed to the Main Street front gates for the night.
As of 8:20 p.m., Clark Undergraduate Student Council Members have joined the picket line.
March 13 – 5:30 p.m.
At 4:45 p.m., students learned that faculty are sending a letter to the administration demanding they agree to card check neutrality. They are currently looking for additional faculty to sign on in support. The letter will be sent tomorrow.
March 13 – 2 p.m.
Two trucks arrived to deliver goods for the dining services. The picket line is blocking this entrance on Maywood Street. There were six Worcester Police officers present at the time who had been hired by the University to be positioned at the strike locations for as long as the strike was occurring.
The officers got in between the picket line, so strikers had to move for the truck. “They got more aggressive as we kept walking.” Said one striker. An officer pushed a student when they made space for the delivery truck.
As of 2 p.m., Information Technology Services (ITS) is now closed for walk-in appointments and services. Students with questions are being referred to [email protected].
Throughout the day, chanted. “Get up, get down, Worcester is a union town!” and “Clark University you can’t hide, we can see your greedy side!” They contested.
March 13 – 12:30 p.m.
Many students are participating on the line during their off classroom times, and have been provided with food throughout the day as the strike continues. The Scarlet counted about 75 students picketing at any given time throughout the morning so far. Dean Kamaro Abubakar and Dean Kamala Kiem were both spotted walking around red square, both declined to comment this time.
“It’s great to see this collective action from a very organized student body, with tons of support from students, workers, faculty, and staff,” Alexa McPherson, an undergraduate buildings and grounds employee at Clark, stated. “We are just hoping Clark will come to the table and negotiate with us.”
Eli Gillan, a business agent for Teamsters Local 170, was present at the picket lines. “[we are] demanding that Clark treat people with respect, especially the student workers.” He said.
At 10 a.m. this morning, the Goddard Library (floors 2-5) announced that it will be closing at 6 p.m, rather than their typical midnight closing time. It is unconfirmed whether or not this is related to the strike.
Below is the full letter from Worcester City Council members to Clark University President, David Fithian, sent on March 13, 2025.
Dear President Fithian,
We the undersigned members of the Worcester City Council write to you regarding an urgent matter.
It has come to our attention that Clark University is choosing to deny upwards of 680 undergraduate workers well-established employee benefits or protections. These students, residents of Worcester, are also workers that take out trash, open buildings, work in the library, take care of grounds, and work in admissions.
This is deeply disappointing to learn that Clark University is shrinking from its commitment to social justice and worker rights.
I strongly urge you to sign a neutrality card check agreement with the
undergraduate workers and Teamsters Local 170. Such an agreement will empower the workers the opportunity to decide whether to form a representative union.
We look forward to continuing the strong relationship between the City of Worcester and all students and faculty at Clark University.
Sincerely,
George J. Russell
Worcester City Councilor – District 3
