As the clock ticked down to a midnight deadline, Harvard and unionized custodial workers struck a new five-year contract late last night that includes wage increases, health care, and four weeks of paid vacation time.

If an agreement had not been reached by midnight -- when the union’s contract expired -- Harvard’s janitorial staff would likely have gone on strike, union officials said.

Sarah Betancourt, a spokeswoman for the union, said in a statement that the new contract was “a victory for Harvard janitors and the 99 percent,” referring to the Occupy Wall Street movement.

“Harvard University janitors have fought for one Harvard, with fairness and dignity for all,” she said in the statement. “With Harvard’s reputation as a preeminent institution for higher education, this agreement will be seen as an example for other universities to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve.

More at source: Boston.com