HACC Faculty Rally Ahead of Expected Strike Over Contract Dispute

Faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) have been without a contract for over 40 months since unionizing in April 2022, prompting growing frustration and calls for fair compensation including back pay and salary increases. Despite some offers from the administration, such as a 9% raise with no back pay, the union has rejected these, citing minimal progress and ongoing concerns over policies that could reduce educational quality, increase class sizes, and allow the college to own faculty-created materials. Faculty and student supporters have rallied multiple times, emphasizing that their desire is to avoid a strike but that they are prepared to take that step if a fair agreement is not reached soon. The union has exhausted all negotiation options including mediators and fact-finders and has authorized a strike, which would be a significant event, marking the first strike for the Pennsylvania State Education Association Southern Region in 17 years. College administration has been accused by faculty of union-busting tactics and prolonging negotiations, further straining relations. Union leaders stress that the strike is a last resort and that their main priority is protecting the quality of education and fair treatment for faculty.