A looming strike threatens to disrupt education at HACC, and it's about more than just money. Unionized faculty members at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, are on the brink of resuming their strike if a deal isn't reached by Monday. This high-stakes situation has been brewing for years, with faculty members demanding not just a raise—their first since 2022—but also back pay for the past three years. But here's where it gets controversial: the union, HACCEA, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) representing 750 faculty members, frames this as a fight for the soul of the institution. They're not just bargaining for better pay; they're advocating for a workplace culture built on trust, collaboration, and care, rather than fear and control.
After a marathon nine-hour meeting on Thursday, both sides reported progress, but no agreement has been finalized. Negotiators for the union gave the college until 11 a.m. Friday to respond to their latest proposal. The college submitted its offer just before the deadline, prompting a counterproposal from HACCEA, which requested a response by Friday afternoon. And this is the part most people miss: despite the back-and-forth, the union has made it clear they won’t postpone a strike again, as they did at the college’s request earlier this week.
As of Friday afternoon, the union confirmed receiving the college’s response, reviewed it, and sent another proposal, setting a new deadline of 10 a.m. Saturday. While both parties acknowledge progress, the clock is ticking. Unless a tentative agreement is reached this weekend, HACCEA has vowed to strike on Monday.
This standoff raises critical questions: Can HACC and its faculty find common ground before classrooms are disrupted? And what does this dispute reveal about the broader challenges facing community colleges and their staff? The union’s statement on their website underscores the deeper issue: “For the past three years, we have worked hard at the negotiating table to reach a fair contract. What we face now is not simply a disagreement over money but a struggle for the kind of institution we all want to belong to: One led by trust, collaboration, and care rather than fear or control.”
What do you think? Is this strike justified, or should faculty prioritize avoiding disruptions to student learning? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
