HARRISBURG, Pa. — Amid a summer of union activity, faculty members at HACC are asserting their right to organize. On Wednesday, members of the HACC Education Association called on college administrators to respect their unionization efforts.
“Our path lies in moving forward and moving forward together," said Kelly Matthews, a senior science professor at HACC.
“[HACC faculty] they do not back down, and they won’t back down," said Aaron Chapin, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Faculty members were joined by several state lawmakers at the Capitol steps. Representative Izzy Smith Wade-El of Lancaster County called on college administrators to negotiate a fair contract with professors.
“Every Pennsylvania educator deserves the salary, benefits, and reputation that, frankly, those of us who work inside this building take for granted," said Rep. Smith Wade-El (D-49th District).
HACC faculty members voted to form a union back in 2022, joining the rest of Pennsylvania’s community colleges. Since then, faculty members accused the school of engaging in union-busting behavior, including a high-profile incident of two union reps being arrested on HACC’s Lancaster campus in late August.
“They really tried to take the wind out of our sails with our membership drive at the beginning of this academic year, which we thoughtfully planned," said Kathy Sicher, president of HACCEA. "We don’t agree with what they did by arresting our state reps.”
HACC sent the following comment regarding the HACCEA's rally at the State Capitol:
"The College looks forward to continued negotiations to better serve our students and communities."
Organizers called on other faculty members to join as contract negotiations continue.
“Join your voice with others, as we build a better future for all of us," said Matthews.