Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement, calling on UPMC, the employees and their representatives to respect the rights of employees and employers protected under the National Labor Relations Act and negotiate in good faith to reach a settlement agreeable to all parties.
“UPMC workers have spoken; they want a family supporting wage and a bargaining unit to negotiate a contract on their behalf.
As a member of the Senate Minimum Wage Caucus and a proud cosponsor of the Minimum Wage Fairness Act of 2013, I understand the need to reestablish a livable wage for workers and their families. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, median income for working-age households slid 12.4 percent from 2000 to 2011 (LINK).
If all Americans are to have a path to prosperity, then people who work all day have to make a middle class wage. More importantly, a worker’s right to organize and collectively bargain for a safe work place and a livable wage needs to be respected and protected.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is very clear: ‘The NLRA forbids employers from interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of rights relating to organizing, forming, joining or assisting a labor organization for collective bargaining purposes, or from working together to improve terms and conditions of employment, or refraining from any such activity. Similarly, labor organizations may not restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of these rights.’
We are fortunate to have an excellent skilled medical workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania and I know maintaining that level of quality medical personnel is a goal that both UPMC and its workers share. I look forward to positive resolution that is good for workers, UPMC and the patients they serve.”
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