Frankel Hails NLRB Decision to Set Union Election Dates for Magee Nurses, Urges UPMC to Cease Union-Busting Tactics
Rep. Dan B. Frankel August 4, 2025 | 10:30 AM
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 4 – State Rep. Dan Frankel, D–Allegheny, today applauded the National Labor Relations Board decision to schedule elections for nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital on Aug. 19 and Aug. 23, calling it a critical step toward ensuring frontline healthcare workers have a voice in their workplace.
“I’m thrilled that Magee nurses finally have a date on the calendar to make their voices heard,” said Frankel, who chairs the Pennsylvania House Health Committee. “These nurses are the backbone of maternal and newborn care in our region, and they deserve the same rights as any other workers to advocate for safe staffing, better conditions and the resources they need to provide excellent care.”
Frankel reiterated his call for UPMC to abandon its aggressive and costly union-busting campaign.
“Every healthcare dollar UPMC spends on high-paid consultants and anti-union propaganda is a dollar not spent on patient care,” he said. “Every minute nurses are pulled off the floor to attend mandatory anti-union meetings is a minute they’re not caring for patients. This is a taxpayer-subsidized, nonprofit hospital system, and its priorities should reflect that.”
The NLRB decision comes amid ongoing concerns from patients, nurses and elected officials about working conditions at Magee. Nurses have reported being chronically understaffed, overworked and denied a meaningful voice in decisions that directly impact patient care.
Frankel reached out to UPMC last month seeking a meeting between UPMC leaders and the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation to discuss these concerns, but the non-profit giant has yet to agree to a meeting.
“I urge UPMC to respect this process, and let these nurses vote without fear, coercion or intimidation,” Frankel said. “Pennsylvanians are watching — and we stand with these nurses.”
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