Service Employees International Union Healthcare of Pennsylvania has increased its organizing efforts at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospitals, and the health system responded by holding a meeting with board members and union advocates, according to a Pittsburgh Business Times report.
SEIU has focused on UPMC since February. As one of the state's largest employers, UPMC has successfully avoided major unionizations in the past: In 1970, an employee vote for SEIU representation failed. It faltered again in 1998. About 395 of UPMC's 50,000 employees — from UPMC McKeesport Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic — are currently represented by the union.
The union is now focusing on UPMC's Magee, Presbyterian and Shadyside hospitals. This week, union members, local elected officials and clergy members attended a UPMC board meeting.
One attendee, Rev. John Welch, requested board members sign a petition to not thwart union discussions or organizing efforts. Board members said they would review that petition before acting.
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SEIU has focused on UPMC since February. As one of the state's largest employers, UPMC has successfully avoided major unionizations in the past: In 1970, an employee vote for SEIU representation failed. It faltered again in 1998. About 395 of UPMC's 50,000 employees — from UPMC McKeesport Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic — are currently represented by the union.
The union is now focusing on UPMC's Magee, Presbyterian and Shadyside hospitals. This week, union members, local elected officials and clergy members attended a UPMC board meeting.
One attendee, Rev. John Welch, requested board members sign a petition to not thwart union discussions or organizing efforts. Board members said they would review that petition before acting.
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