We Can't Eat Prestige: The Women Who Organized Harvard

Labor and Social Change

by John Hoerr

Counters the belief that women white-collar workers tend to reject unionization and accept a passive role in the workplace. This book takes the example of a women workers union involving Harvard's 3,600-member support staff which includes secretaries, library and laboratory assistants, dental hygienists, and accounting clerks.

Genres: Labor, History, Education, Nonfiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 1997

Reviews

[Nora Maybury · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for those interested in applying a feminist lens to labor organizing. Hoerr walks us through the tedious technicalities of unionizing at Harvard by centering and celebrating the core organizers. This book is dense by nature but provides digestible and important insight into successful organizing efforts.

In full transparency, my recommendation & valuing of “We Cant Eat Prestige” (thank you to my sister for gifting it to me) is primarily attributed to our father’s involvement in Harvard’s union drive and subsequent feature in this book.

With or without personal ties to the cause, I implore everyone to seek out the threads of interconnectedness between labor organizing, anti-sexism, anti-racism, and all struggles for liberation. How beautiful could this world be if we wove ourselves in solidarity, acting in ways that make our children proud to see our names written in history books?

[Alicia Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of unionization (of Harvard clerical and technical workers) by those in two groups not commonly associated with unionization efforts--white-collar workers and women. It explains how to organize workers (men or women) who don't hate their job nor their workplace, but who simply want to have a say in the work they do, receive decent pay and benefits, etc.

[Chad Sinckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read recounting the long winding path towards unionizing Clerical and Technical workers at Harvard. While the books feminism feels dated, the labor history remains relevant. While universities are now a hot bed for organizing, this book highlights a moment where seemingly no one thought universities could be organized. The story serves as a testament to resilience and creativity.

[Taylorann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and accessible read. Thoroughly researched and provides a great insight into the success of a grass-roots union campaign.

[Jamie Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written thoroughly narrative of the Harvard Clerical Union and its leader, Kris Rondeau. The book is an easy to read account of how the Harvard Clerical and Technical Union was organized primarily by women and how different this process was from traditional male organization. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in women's rights, labor organizations and Harvard. You'll enjoy it; its narrative journalism at its best.