County Council
A resolution backs Magee-Womens nurses as a July 4 contract deadline nears.
Almost 900 nurses and advanced practitioners at Magee-Womens Hospital have bargained for their first union contract since January. On June 23, ten county council members introduced a resolution backing them. It says the county's relationship with UPMC depends on UPMC being a fair employer. Union members planned to vote on legal action if there was no contract by July 4.
Written by Amy Whipple
Newly unionized registered nurses and advanced practitioners at Magee-Womens Hospital are receiving support from Allegheny Council. During the June 23 meeting, 10 council members introduced a resolution supporting almost 900 union members.
“The County’s ability to continue a collaborative relationship with UPMC depends on the system’s commitment to being a fair and responsible employer and healthcare provider,” the resolution reads. “Given that maintaining labor peace and a strong, respected nursing workforce is essential for the future of Magee-Womens Hospital and our community at large, Allegheny County Council hereby urges UPMC to work collaboratively with nurses and advanced practitioners to negotiate a fair contract in an expeditious manner, for the health of women, children and all patients throughout our region.”
Nurses at Magee voted to unionize with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Pennsylvania in August 2025 with advanced practitioners doing the same a month later.
The two bargaining units began negotiating their first contract in January, prioritizing increased staffing, health insurance, paid parental leave and better pay for experienced staff. June 22 marked the 24th bargaining session.
If the contract isn’t complete by July 4, union members will vote on taking legal action with the National Labor Relations Board.
Council referred the resolution to the health committee.
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- County Council · June 23, 2026
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