Dozens of workers at UPMC facilities joined a day of strikes and rallies April 14, in unity with workers across Pittsburgh and the country who were protesting for higher minimum wages and greater union rights, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
The protests took place about two weeks after UPMC announced it will increase minimum starting salaries for entry-level positions at most Pittsburgh facilities to $15 an hour by January 2021. That decision came around the same time laws passed in California and New York to raise minimum wage.
The workers said while the $15 wage increase is "an important victory," hospital workers are striking for their union rights. They allege unfair labor practices by UPMC, which they say has rejected unionization efforts and impeded the process, according to the report.
Becker's Hospital Review was not immediately able to reach UPMC for comment.
UPMC did issue a statement this week, which said, "The care of our patients is paramount, and we are fully prepared to provide the highest-quality care for all patients who rely on us to help them during their most vulnerable times. We respect employees' rights to engage in legally protected activities and will not prevent the participation of any employees who choose to join," according to a Pittsburgh Business Times report.
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