Workload has increased since Supreme Court decision due to increase in out-of-state patients from neighboring states with abortion bans
For more information contact:
Ben Wilson, UE Field Organizer
(412) 935 7545 | ben.wilson@ueunion.org
Workers at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania will rally for a fair union contract on Tuesday, July 26, at the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh.
“A month ago, our CEO spoke at a rally at the City-County building about how we will continue to provide abortion care,” said Crystal Grabowski, a lead trainer and healthcare assistant in Abortion Services and a member of the Local 696 bargaining committee. “On Tuesday we will be coming together at the same spot to demand a fair union contract that will ensure that frontline workers have what we need to provide that care.”
Local 696 members report that an increase in out-of-state patients since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision was announced on June 24 has led to a doubling of workloads. Western Pennsylvania borders both West Virginia and Ohio, whose abortion bans went into effect following the court decision.
“It's a critical time for sexual and reproductive health workers,” said Jocelyn Kirkwood, a call center agent and health care assistant in Abortion Services and a member of the Local 696 bargaining committee. “People are losing access all over the country, and the staff at our clinics are being overworked and underpaid for the life-saving work we do. Now more than ever, we need improvements to our working conditions, better staffing, and a fair contract.”
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania workers voted in March of 2021 to form UE Local 696, and have been in negotiations for a first union contract for over 14 months. They were featured in a recent video report by More Perfect Union, “Why Abortion Care Workers Are Unionizing After Roe v. Wade Was Overturned.”
To arrange for interviews with Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania workers, contact UE Field Organizer Ben Wilson at (412) 935 7545 or ben.wilson@ueunion.org.
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