California congressman meets with Pennsylvania nurses over union concerns
PITTSBURGH —
Democratic Rep. Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania invited Rep. Ro Khanna of California to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night to meet with nurses at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, where they discussed ongoing union challenges and staffing standards.
Nurses push for national staffing standards
The nurses have been pushing for UPMC to implement national staffing standards, but they say their efforts have been met with resistance during contract negotiations. Allegheny County Council has endorsed the plan, but the nurses are asking lawmakers to step in and advocate for them.
“UPMC has the assets available. They have the money and the influence. They’re the largest employer. They could really make a change for the Commonwealth and elsewhere for women’s and children’s health,” labor and delivery nurse Liana Montes said during the meeting.
Khanna pledges support during Pennsylvania tour
The meeting was part of Khanna’s “Economic Patriotism Tour Across Pennsylvania.” Originally from Bucks County, Khanna is traveling across the country to meet with workers and hear their economic concerns. He said he plans to support the nurses on social media and may co-write a letter to UPMC with DeLuzio.
“We respect hard work around here. We believe deeply in that freedom to form, and join a union. I know, and I think we all know around here that a union can mean better pay, better dignity, and better safety on the job. It’s a big part of who we are,” DeLuzio said.
“Now I’m helping nurses here get a fair contract. I mean, they’re taking care of folks. They should be paid fairly, and we should have appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios,” Khanna said.
Protesters criticize Khanna’s visit
Khanna’s visit to Pennsylvania was not welcomed by everyone. The group Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania gathered near his event earlier in the day, criticizing his presence and claiming he was attempting to “soft-launch his 2028 campaign for president in the nation’s largest swing state.”
“We believe that Pennsylvanians don’t want to see policies California has implemented, like higher taxes, which are driving businesses out of California. So don’t California our Pennsylvania,” a representative from the group said.
Khanna came outside to speak directly with the demonstrators. His next stop on the Pennsylvania tour is scheduled for Tuesday night in Johnstown.