The ongoing sit-in in Mass. Hall gained considerable momentum this past weekend, as members of the Progressive Student Labor Movement (PSLM) attracted prominent politicians, Harvard House Masters and increasing numbers of undergraduates to their ongoing protest for a living wage.

Bolstered by a steadily growing "tent city" of supporters and impromptu messages from U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy '54-'56 (D-Mass.), former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich and AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, PSLM members said they plan to occupy the building indefinitely-until the administration grants Harvard employees a living wage of at least $10.25 per hour.

Masters from all the houses except Dunster and Kirkland issued a statement last night urging administrators to negotiate with the students occupying Mass. Hall. The letter said the masters of Dunster and Kirkland could not be contacted.

"We urge that a process be put in place to move beyond the present impasse," the letter reads. "We suggest a face to face meeting between student leaders and the administration and a step-by-step plan for a larger community dialogue."

After a Friday afternoon rally attracting about 250 students, Kennedy stopped by to lend his support to the cause.

Kennedy tried to enter the occupied building, but was stopped by Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) officials. He spoke briefly to the crowd, drawing cheers when he announced his support of the sit-in.

"I believe we're going to be successful," he said as he pinned a living wage button on his jacket.

From inside the building, a PSLM member yelled out the window-asking Kennedy whether he would call University President Neil L. Rudenstine to ask for a living wage.