Roughly 700 faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) will begin a strike on Monday, November 3, 2025, after nearly three years of unsuccessful contract negotiations. The faculty union announced the decision to picket at the college's main Harrisburg campus following a breakdown in recent bargaining sessions.
The move follows a period of intensified but ultimately fruitless negotiations, which included almost 14 hours of discussion in the past week alone. College administrators have confirmed they are preparing for the walkout but expressed disappointment over the disruption to students.
Key Takeaways
- A strike involving 700 HACC faculty members is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 3.
- The action follows nearly three years of failed contract negotiations, with salary and back pay being major points of contention.
- The faculty union authorized the strike with a 93% majority vote on October 2.
- HACC administration plans to keep all five campuses open and is exploring options to minimize disruption, including hiring replacement instructors.
A Long Road to the Picket Line
The decision to strike did not happen overnight. The faculty's union and the college administration have been engaged in contract talks for almost three years without reaching a mutual agreement. The primary disagreements revolve around financial issues, specifically salary increases and back pay requested by the union.
Efforts to avert a strike intensified last week, with both parties dedicating nearly 14 hours to bargaining. Despite these extended sessions, a resolution remained out of reach. On Saturday, the union formally notified the college of its intent to strike, stating that its members felt they had no other option.
"While we will be on strike Monday our negotiations team remains hopeful that we will be able to resolve the remaining open issues in a timely manner," said Amy Withrow, the union's chief negotiator.
The faculty had previously signaled its readiness for this action. On October 2, an overwhelming 93% of union members voted to authorize a strike if progress was not made at the negotiating table. A rally was also held on October 28 to draw public attention to their calls for a "fair" contract.
Timeline of Events
- Oct. 2, 2025: 93% of union members vote to authorize a strike.
- Oct. 28, 2025: Faculty and supporters hold a rally for a new contract.
- Late Oct. 2025: Nearly 14 hours of negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
- Nov. 1, 2025: The union officially informs the college of the impending strike.
- Nov. 3, 2025: The strike is scheduled to begin.
College Cites Financial Pressures
HACC's administration has publicly acknowledged the faculty's right to strike but has framed the union's demands as unfeasible given the college's current financial situation. In a statement released Friday, the college pointed to significant fiscal challenges as a major barrier.
"The college believes the decision to strike disregards the fiscal challenges HACC currently faces, including significant state and federal funding uncertainties," the statement read. Administrators argue that agreeing to the union's terms would be financially irresponsible.
Despite the impending walkout, HACC has no plans to close its five campuses. The administration has stated its commitment to "maintaining academic continuity and minimizing disruption to instruction."
Contingency Plans in Motion
To keep classes running, college officials have indicated they are preparing contingency plans. One of the measures being considered is the identification and hiring of replacement faculty to cover for striking instructors.
The college's primary message has been one of reassurance to its student body. "We respect the rights of our faculty to express their concerns... However, we are disappointed that this action will create disruption for our students ā the very individuals that we are all here to serve," the college stated.
HACC at a Glance
Harrisburg Area Community College operates five campuses. The Lancaster campus, located in East Lampeter Township, serves approximately 2,000 students and employs around 100 faculty members who will be part of the strike.
Uncertainty for Students
The central concern for many is the potential impact on students' academic progress. With the semester underway, a prolonged strike could create significant challenges. Amy Withrow of the faculty union acknowledged this risk earlier in the month, warning that a long-term walkout could make it difficult for students to complete their required coursework and earn necessary credit hours.
This could have serious consequences for those on track to graduate or transfer to four-year institutions. Students rely on the timely completion of courses to meet deadlines for financial aid, program requirements, and graduation applications.
The college, however, has pledged to find solutions to ensure students are not academically penalized by the strike. Administrators have said they will seek ways to allow students to finish their selected programs on time, though specific details on how this will be achieved during a large-scale faculty strike have not been fully outlined.
As Monday approaches, both students and faculty face a period of uncertainty. The union remains on the picket line, while the administration works to keep the doors of the college open, leaving the academic futures of thousands of students hanging in the balance.