Strike at HACC Leaves Students Stranded, Union Bosses’ Tactics Under Scrutiny

Source: WGAL

Faculty members at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), represented by the HACC Educators Association (HACCEA), have walked off the job, leaving many students showing up to find empty classrooms with no substitute teachers or preparation.

“I just assumed we were going to have a substitute, like the school email said,” said student Anna Taylor. “So I drove 30 minutes here and the classroom was completely empty. It’s dark. No lights are on. There’s no sign of a substitute.”

Employees at public institutions like HACC should know: if you’re a union member, you may face penalties for refusing to participate in a strike. However, thanks to the Janus ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, public-sector employees have the right to resign their union membership and stop paying dues at any time, freeing themselves from union-mandated strikes or political campaigns.

Those who choose to continue teaching or supporting students during this disruption are exercising their rights and deserve acknowledgement for prioritizing education over union politics.

For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.

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