A coalition of Pennsylvania labor unions, spearheaded by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare, has lodged an antitrust complaint against the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
The complaint, filed with the U.S. Justice Department, accuses UPMC of engaging in anti-competitive practices that have stifled wages and created a burdensome work environment for healthcare workers.
"Most UPMC workers I know struggle to make ends meet. Our medical insurance is very expensive and we're required to use UPMC medical facilities. I have medical debt to my employer and so do many of my co-workers," said Nila Peyton, an administrative assistant in pathology for 17 years in a press conference covered by CBS News Pittsburgh.
"It's time for accountability, fair wages, and quality care for ALL!" said U.S. Rep. Summer Lee in a tweet supporting the workers. "UPMC refuses to pay our workers what they're worth and with control over three out of four hospital jobs, there's nowhere else for them to go," Lee said at the press conference.
Lee said that with 40+ hospitals employing 92,000 workers in Pennsylvania, UPMC exerts undue power over employees and patients, allowing the organization to dictate wages and working conditions without fear of competition. "This unchecked power gives UPMC almost total control over the hospital workers they employ and the communities they're supposed to serve. It allows them to suppress those workers' wages all while subjecting the patients who depend on them to a lower quality of care and higher medical bills."
Lee called on lawmakers to enact legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, and fair labor practices in the healthcare industry, saying reform is imperative.