How long have the College and HACCEA been in negotiations?
Negotiations between the College and the HACCEA began on Jan. 23, 2023. Since then, there have been over 30 bargaining sessions.
What are the College’s priorities for the negotiations?
The College remains committed to a fair contract. HACC’s proposals are built around:
What does a strike authorization vote mean?
It is not unusual during bargaining to hear heightened rhetoric or see informational activity, or a strike authorization vote. Those are all typical during bargaining. A vote for strike authorization is typically a poll of a union’s membership to ensure that any decision to strike rests with the majority of the members who cast a vote. A strike authorization vote typically does not necessarily mean a union will strike. However, typically it does indicate they are ready to do so if they believe it is necessary. The College believes that a strike authorization vote is unnecessary to achieve a positive outcome to negotiations.
Given the strike authorization vote, how is the College preparing for a possible strike?
The College is negotiating in good faith and remains optimistic that a fair and competitive agreement will be reached. However, to ensure we remain able to meet our educational mission, the College is conducting contingency planning to prepare for potential scenarios in the event of a strike. The College will strive to maintain continuity of operations, upholding its commitments to students and their supporters. This contingency planning may include collecting information on potential replacement faculty in the event of a strike. We will share more information regarding these measures, if needed, in an appropriate and timely way.
What happens during a HACCEA strike?
During a strike, bargaining unit employees may walk off the job and picket outside campus buildings. Picketing cannot interfere with access to campus facilities or disrupt normal operations.
How will I learn about the status of a HACCEA strike?
Information will be shared with you by email and the College will continue to post updates at hacc.edu.
How long can a strike last?
Under PERA, a strike may last indefinitely. The College will continue to do everything it can to maintain operations in the event of a strike.
Does a strike mean that negotiations have stopped?
No, a strike does not mean that negotiations have stopped. As the College did before the strike, we will continue to stand ready to negotiate in good faith.
Will College events be impacted by a strike?
On-campus events may be canceled during a strike. The College will notify you of event cancellations through email and continue to post updates at hacc.edu.
What should I do if I am approached by a member of the media asking for comment on a strike?
HACC colleagues should follow the processes outlined in this document.
All members of the media should be immediately referred to HACC’s newsroom at newsroom@hacc.edu. HACC has designated spokespeople authorized to speak on behalf of the College. College personnel are entitled to exercise their First Amendment rights and speak freely with any media on any matters provided they clearly identify that they are speaking as individuals and not as representatives of the College or HACC Foundation.
What is HACC doing to ensure a safe environment for those who choose to work?
HACC will collaborate with the Public Safety and Security Department to provide safe entry and exit points for all employees who report to work.
Will classes be canceled in the event of a strike authorization vote?
Classes will not be canceled based on a strike authorization vote. However, classes may be canceled if there is a faculty strike. If individual classes are canceled, information will be shared with you by email. The College will continue to post updates at hacc.edu.
Does a strike authorization vote affect all classes at the College, including non-credit courses and workshops?
Individual credit classes will not be impacted if there is a strike authorization vote, including non-credit courses and workshops.
Will registration, financial aid and payment services be available?
Yes, student support services will be available during business hours. Please visit this webpage to see the current operating hours.
Will the Library and Learning Commons services be available?
Yes, Library and Learning Commons services and hours can be found at HACC Learning Commons Scheduling | LibCal - Harrisburg Area Community College.
Will the Bookstore open? If so, what are the hours?
Campus bookstore hours can be found at HACC Bookstore.
Will I be able to access the cafeteria?
Please visit this webpage for the hours of Chef’s Apprentice on the Harrisburg Campus.
Will campus events and student clubs still operate?
Yes, student involvement will continue, as well as other areas that provide student programming and engagement. Some events may be shifted online or rescheduled. Please check the student involvement page or the Google site for continued updates.
How will I know if a HACCEA strike has begun?
The College will share information with you by email and continue to post updates at hacc.edu. Please ensure you are signed up for e2Campus emergency alerts from the College and continue to monitor your College email account for updates.
How will I receive updates in the event of a HACCEA strike?
In addition to text and email alerts, the College will continue to post updates at hacc.edu.
What happens if a non-union employee chooses not to work in support of the union?
Non-union employees are expected to report to work as scheduled.
If there is a strike, do I have to participate? Am I allowed to continue to work if I do not want to go on strike?
Under the Public Employee Relations Act (PERA) , you have the individual right to choose whether to participate in a strike or report to work.
Can the College terminate my employment if I am on strike?
No, the College will not terminate your employment solely if you decide to participate in the strike.
Can the College replace me if I am out on strike?
Yes, the College has the right to hire temporary replacements. Employees interested in assisting with coverage for classes impacted by a strike should contact their Dean.
If a replacement takes over a class(es) if I am on strike, what happens to that class(es) after a strike ends?
If you are a full-time bargaining unit employee and the course(s) were in load for the semester, then you will return to finish the class(es). Adjunct bargaining unit employees and full-time bargaining unit employees teaching an overload and going on strike will not return to those classes after the strike to minimize the disruption to students from another instructor transition.
Will I receive pay if I go on strike?
No, employees who go on strike will not be paid. Under PERA , the College is not required to pay striking employees. Thus, bargaining unit employees who strike will not be paid. However, bargaining unit employees will still receive any accrued or reserve pay (i.e. pay for time already worked). Bargaining unit employees will be asked to complete an attestation to confirm whether they have completed their typical job responsibilities or were on strike.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I am striking?
Under state law, striking employees are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
What happens to my healthcare benefits if I go on strike?
Healthcare benefits for those eligible may be affected during a strike. Depending on the length of the strike, striking bargaining unit employees may be responsible for paying their full premiums.
What happens to the retirement contributions of a striking employee?
Since striking employees will not be in paid status, no employer or employee retirement contributions will be made to the State Employees Retirement System (SERS), Public School Employees’ Retirement (PSERS), the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) retirement plans or Retirement Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Questions regarding an employee's retirement account should be directed to the appropriate retirement plan provider:
There is also no:
Can I take vacation, sick or personal time during a strike?
A striking bargaining unit employee may not take vacation or personal time during the strike. Striking bargaining unit members may utilize sick time in conjunction with an approved FMLA claim or by following the same procedure as non-striking employees.
What happens if I need to go on FMLA during a strike or have an existing FMLA?
New FMLA claims will not be accepted from striking employees. Existing FMLA claims will continue to be honored based on the FMLA Approval Notification and applicable FMLA regulations. Employees should continue to follow the proper reporting procedures.
What happens if I need an ADA Accommodation or have an existing ADA Accommodation?
New ADA requests will not be accepted from striking employees. Existing ADA accommodations will continue to be honored where appropriate based upon the ADA Accommodation Approval.
What will happen to my Paid Professional Assignment (PPA) pay this semester if I go on strike?
PPA payments will be halted since that work would not be taking place during a strike. After the end of a strike, a review would take place as to whether it is appropriate, based on the circumstances, for the PPA to resume.
Please note the following definitions: