Wu cancels Harvard speaking engagement rather than cross grad-student picket line

Mayor Michelle Wu backed out of a Harvard Law School speaking engagement after efforts to avoid crossing a picket line failed. Her team made repeated attempts to reach a compromise with the Harvard Graduate Students Union that would have allowed her participation, but negotiations were unsuccessful. The union has been on strike since April 21 after 15 months of slow contract talks with university officials. Wu offered to acknowledge the strike from the podium or participate virtually when a picket line was planned, but the union declined. Wu chose not to cross the picket line and expressed support for the labor movement. Harvard Law called the change disappointing while expecting her return, and the union praised her decision to stand with striking student workers.

"Wu's team "made repeated efforts to reach a compromise" with the Harvard Graduate Students Union "that would have enabled the Mayor's participation, but were ultimately unsuccessful," her office said in a statement."

"After learning last week that there would be a picket line at Wednesday's Harvard Law Class Day, Wu offered to acknowledge the strike from the podium or participate in the event virtually, according to a source familiar with the matter. When the union declined those proposals, Wu decided to back out entirely rather than cross the picket line."

""The Mayor is a strong ally of the labor movement and believes in respecting picket lines, but wishes that the union had taken one of the many alternatives available," a Wu spokesperson said. "She sends her best wishes to the graduates and their families for a memorable and meaningful day worthy of their accomplishments.""

"The union, meanwhile, praised Wu for siding with its striking student workers. "Her decision to stand with HGSU-UAW exemplifies a new generation of leadership"

Read at Boston.com