In a statement issued by Charissa Ruth, Care Partner on behalf of the 300 UPMC Washington Hospital workers in SEIU Healthcare in Pennsylvania, she says, “The dedicated healthcare workers of Washington Hospital are deeply concerned that UPMC’s job cuts break the corporation’s original vow to invest in our local community, and have upended the lives of valued coworkers. When UPMC first took over our hospital almost exactly two years ago, they made a clear, emphatic promise of “preserving jobs of our talented health care workers”, and to “invest a minimum of $300 million” in our hospital, “invest in its employees”, and “uphold and protect a healthy future for this community.” The slashing of 200 current jobs and 300 open positions throughout the health system – many of which are vital roles at Washington – comes at a time when we need more investment, not less. As we’re already understaffed, the cuts have created a feeling of distrust, uncertainty and fear of not knowing what our future holds. There’s been a lack of transparency and communication from UPMC, and we’re still not clear on the full scope of the cuts. We call on executives and the hospital board to meet with us to discuss the challenges still facing our facility, and how they can live up to their promise to invest in workers, so that we can ensure the highest quality care.”
