MIT Facilities workers authorize strike

It is the first vote on MIT campus in almost two decades

By Jada Ogueh Oct. 29, 2026

11504 32bj vote %281%29 — MIT Facilities workers part of the 32BJ SEIU union raise their hands to vote to authorize a strike. The strike authorization vote, held in Killian Court, passed Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
Levy Le–The Tech

11506 32bj vote %283%29 — MIT Facilities workers part of the 32BJ SEIU union gather in Killian Court in preparation of a strike authorization vote. The vote passed Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
Levy Le–The Tech

The MIT Facilities workers’ first strike authorization vote since 2008 passed with a majority vote on Killian Court at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.

After months of negotiations with no resolution on wage increases, cheaper healthcare, and protections for immigrant workers, about 600 MIT Facilities workers representing 32BJ SEIU will join the Graduate Student Union in a potential strike.

32BJ members at MIT work in a wide range of essential jobs, including as custodians, desk attendants, groundskeepers, maintenance mechanics and skilled tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers, at over 200 buildings belonging to MIT.

The two unions plan to hold a joint “Last Chance” practice picket from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 29 on 48 Mass Ave. According to 32BJ SEIU, the picket will help practice logistics beforehand and demonstrate to the administration what could happen soon if they do not “move at the bargaining table.” In doing so, the union hopes this would encourage MIT to bargain “fair” contracts and avoid any strike altogether.

32BJ SEIU also has a bargaining session with the Institute on Oct. 29.