Health care workers across western Pennsylvania go on strike

PITTSBURGH — Striking nursing home workers kicked off Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade on Monday.

Currently, contract negotiations have stalled after nursing home workers demanded better pay, staffing and bedside care, issues workers say were worsened by the pandemic.

On Friday, hundreds of workers walked off the job from 14 nursing homes across the state, including at the Grove in Irwin.

“We walked out together as a team and when this is all over, we’re going to walk back in there as a team, together,” said Shannon McBride, Service Employees International Union chapter president.

As workers aim to send a message to corporate leaders, on Labor Day, countless families went to visit their loved ones at the Grove in Irwin.

“I was afraid for the residents, my son who is here, unfortunately,” said Carol Truffa.

Truffa son James is a resident at the Grove, she told Channel 11 News. Thankfully, his care has not been interrupted.

“Everything seems to be very organized and taken care of,” said Truffa.

The Grove is one of a dozen comprehensive priority and health care homes working without a contract since May.

The union members say patient care is a priority to them, but so is fair pay.

Nearly 700 nursing home workers across Pennsylvania are on strike this Labor Day, but hope to get back to the bargaining table.

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