UPMC Hit With Union Antitrust Complaint

PITTSBURGH, PA — A group of labor organizations on Thursday filed an antitrust complaint with the Justice Department against UPMC, accusing the medical conglomerate of wielding its considerable power to harm workers.

The group, which includes SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, alleges UPMC workers are subject to a “wage penalty” due to the health system monopolizing many local markets. The 55-page complaint details what the unions consider to be labor law violations.

The complaint alleges employees are unfairly subjected to non-compete employment clauses and that UPMC has a "do not rehire" policy for employees who leave their jobs and later want to return. Such actions violate federal antitrust law, the unions contend.

“Workers have only two ways to compete for jobs: they can leave their current job and look for a better one, or they can stay and try to obtain better working conditions,” said Matt Yarnell, president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania.

“We believe UPMC is cutting off both of these avenues of competition, giving it a huge advantage in Pennsylvania labor markets, and harming workers, patients and competition overall. We are seeking action to end these abuses.”

In a statement, UPMC said it is moving to $18 per hour for its non-union workforce by 2025.

"This is the highest entry level of any health care provider in the state. UPMC is among the best places to work in all the regions we served throughout PA, NY and MD due to our wages and our above-industry employee benefits, which are designed to support our employees and their families."

UPMC is Pennsylvania’s largest private employer, with 95,000 workers. The system operates more than 40 hospitals, 800 medical offices and clinics and a health plan.

UPMC reported operating revenue of $26 billion last year.