Smith estimated that about 1,000 members of Local 34 had been out picketing both days.

Over 100 members of SEIU—dietary workers at the hospital—turned out for yesterday’s rally, according to union officials.

And approximately 1,000 members of Local 35’s 1,100 members—mostly service and maintenance workers—went out on strike, according to both Conroy and Chernoff of the unions’ umbrella organization.

Chernoff said counts on picket lines can be deceptive, because they fail to take into account strikers assisting in other ways.

“Some people are participating in the strike, especially those with physical problems, by making sandwiches and answering phones,” she said. “They are doing strike activities—they’re not staying home.”

She also said that the hospital workers’ union is trying to organize 1,800 other hospital workers, many of whom are participating in “work and walk”—walking picket lines in their off hours.

While Smith said turnout was “massive” both days, some students said they saw more strikers yesterday.

Palitz said that participation in Monday’s protests had been dampened by freezing temperatures.

“We had trouble getting students to sign up for things [yesterday],” she said. “Today, people are interested in engaging in discussion.”

—Staff writer Stephen M. Marks can be reached at marks@fas.harvard.edu.