Faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and the HACC Education Association (HACCEA) have reached a new contract agreement, averting a planned strike. The agreement was announced just after midnight on Monday (November 17), ending years of negotiations and a recent three-day strike earlier this month.
According to Local21 NewsLocal21 News, the contract represents a compromise by both sides, prioritizing stability and sustainability for students. The union had planned to resume striking on Monday if a deal was not reached over the weekend.
The negotiations were intense, with both sides bargaining for more than 20 hours last week. Faculty members had been pushing for a raise in their teaching contracts and back pay for the past three years, as other staff received pay increases during that time.
HACC expressed gratitude for reaching an agreement that is fair and fiscally responsible, aligning with the college's core principles. The union will now present the tentative agreement to its members, with informational meetings scheduled for Monday, followed by a vote on the contract. This marks the first contract between the union and the college since the union's formation in 2022.
Local21 News reported that the union initially threatened to strike again if the college did not accept its latest offer by Friday morning. However, significant progress was made during negotiations, leading to the tentative agreement.
The college remains committed to maintaining academic continuity and minimizing disruption to instruction, despite the fiscal challenges it faces, including uncertainties in state and federal funding. Both sides are optimistic about the agreement, which reflects mutual respect and a shared commitment to educational excellence.