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Health & Fitness

Behavior Needs to Change

Since 2012, service and maintenance workers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals in Oakland and Shadyside have been trying to gain union representation with much resistance from the healthcare giant.  In early October, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint charging UPMC with 19 violations of unfair labor practices, including harassment and intimidation, against workers involved in a SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania union-organizing campaign.  The complaint also accuses UPMC of illegally firing four workers for union activities. 

NLRB is a federal agency that referees union organizing drives.   This is not the first time the agency has filed a complaint against the healthcare provider.  Earlier this year, more than 80 alleged labor law violations were settled by UPMC.  A hearing on the most recent charges is scheduled for December 16th before an administrative law judge. 

Since UPMC announced it would not renew its contract with Highmark when it expires at the end of 2014, a nasty battle has put not only patients and consumers of these entities services in the middle of this mess, but also thousands of workers in the Pittsburgh region.  Quite frankly, the shenanigans of UPMC have got to stop.  We should be looking for reasons to draw people to the region and not driving individuals and families out because of UPMC’s bullying tactics. 

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I support workers’ rights to organize and these companies have an obligation to honor these rights.  Historically, the ability to adapt to changes in our area’s economic and business climate has helped our city survive all of these years and fare better in the recent recession than most other large cities.  We need to continue to exhibit these behaviors because after all, they have made Pittsburgh one of the best cities to live.  

The Pittsburgh delegation in the General Assembly continues to look for ways to make these healthcare giants play fair.  I have introduced and co-sponsored a number of bills to even the playing field for these entities.  For example, my Senate Bill 143 (SB 143) would require non-profit organizations, like UPMC, that own real property to pay taxes on the assessed value of the land only (not building), with the first $200,000 of land value being exempt from taxation. The exemption would apply to all property owned by the organization, not per parcel. Many corporations and companies across our state are making record profits and the time is now for these organizations to start contributing to the fiscal challenges many of our neighborhoods are facing.

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More recently, Representatives Christiana and Frankel introduced House Bill 1621 (HB 1621) and House Bill 1622 (HB 1622) that would impose additional requirements on hospitals operating as part of an integrated delivery network by making sure that a consolidation does not result in higher prices and less access for the people to the hospital and doctor of their choice.  Furthermore, the package would establish the same contracting requirements on hospital-owned physician practice organizations operating as part of an integrated delivery network. 

It is a shame that the Legislature has to get involved and play referee in the business matters of large “non-profit” corporations.  But until these issues can get resolved and these providers start focusing on what’s best for their customers and the region, legislation will continue to be introduced to try to address the matter and look out for the constituents we represent.

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