PITTSBURGH — Several dozen UPMC employees participated in a one-day walkout, demanding more staff, better wages and benefits and the right to unionize without fear of retaliation.
Hundreds signed a petition in support of the movement but just 43 workers were at the protest out of the 45,000 in Allegheny County. Employees want $20 per hour minimum wage, affordable healthcare and to eliminate all of their medical debt.
“Half the people I started with are gone,” said Zarah Livingston, a nurses assistant. “The fact that I’ve only been here 10 months and I can see everything going on, nurses I work with are literally quitting because of ratios of having 11 patients.”
Many of the workers taking part were transport, dietary and housekeeping workers.
Pittsburgh mayor-elect Ed Gainey was there to show his support for the crowd.
“Not only did they take care of the city, they went home and took care of their own family. When you go home, you put them at risk and in jeopardy. These workers have worked hard and done a wonderful job. They were there for us so I’m there for them,” Gainey said.
Gainey has long criticized UPMC and said if elected he would work to make the nonprofit start paying property taxes in the city.
A UPMC spokesperson said patient services at all hospitals proceeded without interruption.
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman was also at the walk out.
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