Harvard University and Securitas Security Services have settled with a former security officer who alleged the school and the contract security provider retaliated against him for protesting during the company’s 2022 union contract negotiations.
In September, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determined that Walter J. Terzano was unfairly suspended and removed from his post, reports the Harvard Crimson.
Terzano, who had worked for Securitas since 2009, created picket signs and encouraged fellow officers to rally outside the university president’s home in January and February 2022. His complaint alleges that less than a month later, Harvard’s director of facilities and maintenance complained about him to Securitas. The company then suspended Terzano and removed him from Harvard Square to an off-campus location.
NLRB alleged Terzano’s removal was in response to his protests and constituted unfair labor practices with the intent of discouraging other officers from protesting.
In the agreement, Securitas has offered to reinstate Terzano to his former position, issue him a letter of apology, and compensate him for his losses, including legal fees, reports the Harvard Crimson.
A hearing on the matter was scheduled for January 9 but was suspended due to the settlement.
Terzano was not employed directly by Harvard. However, had the case moved forward, if the ruling were in Terzano’s favor, it could have forced Harvard to become a joint employer of its security officers.
In the settlement notice, Securitas agreed to not interfere with employees’ rights to engage in protected bargaining activities. Harvard has also promised not to interfere with or retaliate against employees for their bargaining activities.
