HACC Faculty Strike Disrupts Classes, Highlights Wage Dispute After Years

Faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) began a strike to protest stalled contract negotiations, citing no salary increases for three years despite raises for other staff. The Harrisburg Area Community College Education Association (HACCEA), representing over 750 teaching positions, has been negotiating since early 2023 but faced management resistance on issues like pay retroactivity, curriculum control, and grievance rights. The union accuses the college of union-busting tactics, including cutting course offerings for union faculty, while the college offered a 9.28% raise with future annual increases starting in 2026. The strike has disrupted classes, with some students showing support and others frustrated by lack of substitutes and communication. Over 100 people, including educators, students, and community members, gathered on picket lines to support the strike, highlighting the broader community impact. HACC expressed disappointment over the disruption but affirmed respect for the faculty's right to strike and continues efforts to maintain operations during the labor action.