USW - United Steelworkers

10/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 14:14

Workers at Squirrel Hill Health Center Vote to Join USW

For Immediate Release: October 31, 2024
Contact: Jenn Wood, [email protected], 412-562-1160

PITTSBURGH - Nearly 80 Squirrel Hill Health Center workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, citing their desire to better advocate for their patients, collaborate more closely with their administration, seek equitable wages and benefits, and have a voice on the job.

The newly unionized workers serve as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, medical and dental assistants, therapists, patient advocates, community health workers, billing specialists, front desk staff, and more across the Center's four Pittsburgh-area locations in Squirrel Hill, Brentwood, Bellevue, and Turtle Creek.

Workers started organizing in May of 2024, driven by their shared commitment to providing the highest-quality, most compassionate care to the vulnerable populations they serve.

"My coworkers and I organized because being able to care for ourselves helps us provide our patients with the exceptional care they deserve," said Tiahna Flannigan, a patient advocate at the Squirrel Hill Health Center. "Having a union will enable us to be seen and heard when it comes to our working conditions so we can continue to do right by the patients we serve."

Squirrel Hill Health Center workers serve a diverse patient population, including many immigrants, refugees, and uninsured and underinsured patients. The Center provides primary care, dental, OB/GYN, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and social services for patients.

"Our union is proud to welcome the hardworking employees of the Squirrel Hill Health Center who work day in and day out to provide comprehensive care to some of our most sensitive patient populations," said Cathy Drummond, chair of the USW Health Care Workers Council. "Together, we will ensure that every worker has the resources and support they need so that the Squirrel Hill Health Center remains a leader in providing essential care for our community."

Ballots were mailed to workers on October 17 and were counted today, October 31.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech, and service occupations.

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