Hempfield School District teachers vote to strike

LANDISVILLE, Pa. (WHTM) – Teachers in a Lancaster County school district have voted to strike after failing to reach a deal with the district.

The Hempfield Education Association says voters overwhelmingly voted to authorize the strike after working on expired contracts since June 30 and nearly a year of negotiations with the Hempfield School District.

The strike is scheduled to begin on December 5, however, teachers could begin to strike as long as they give the district 48 hours notice.

“We do not take this vote lightly because a strike is the last thing anybody wants,” said Tony
Jannotta, a German and History teacher and HEA president. “We want to engage in authentic
bargaining that balances moving towards compromise while also maintaining the strong
contract that generations before us fought hard to negotiate.”

The Hempfield School District is comprised of seven K-6 elementary schools, two Middle Schools, and one high school There are nearly 7,800 students and more than 900 employees in the district.

“This morning, we received official notification from the HEA regarding their intent to strike starting Thursday, December 5,” the Hempfield School Board wrote in a statement. “The Board has provided additional dates to HEA in an effort to continue negotiations and work toward a contract resolution without disrupting student learning.”

Students in the district are currently scheduled to go on winter break starting with an early dismissal on December 20 with classes resuming Thursday, January 2, 2025.

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