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Faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) have commenced a strike after nearly three years of unsuccessful contract negotiations with the college administration. The strike, announced by the Harrisburg Area Community College Education Association (HACCEA) over the weekend, began early Monday morning (November 3). Faculty members have been working without a raise since April 2022 and are demanding fair compensation.
The union, representing over 750 faculty members across HACC campuses in Adams, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties, has expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations. According to Local 21 News, English teacher and Chief Negotiator Amy Withrow stated, "We’re not asking for the moon in this, we basically want to have fair compensation for the length of time that this has drawn off."
HACC's administration has expressed disappointment with the strike, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining academic continuity. The college plans to remain open, employing "qualified substitute instructors" to ensure that classes meet academic standards. The administration claims that their latest offer includes a fair compensation package and excellent working conditions.
Despite the college's assurances, the union argues that the administration's proposals fall short, particularly regarding pay increases and faculty input on curriculum development. According to PennLive, the union is seeking compensation for lost raises, either through retroactive pay or a one-time salary increase. The average full-time faculty member has reportedly lost about $12,500 due to the pay freeze.
Negotiations are set to resume on November 5, as both parties hope to reach a resolution. Until then, faculty members will continue to picket at HACC's Harrisburg campus from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.