Nila is part of a long Pittsburgh tradition of workers demanding their employers treat them fairly and improve working conditions.
John, tonight is the annual State of the Union address.
We look forward to hearing President Biden propose solutions to the urgent crises that intersect and keep our families poor, sick, and in debt, including the need for better wages, affordable health care, and addressing the rising cost of housing.
Tonight, Summer is proud to bring hospital worker Nila Payton as her guest. Nila is a testament to the power of the people and organized labor who has been organizing against her employer, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), for years. After falling into thousands in medical debt to her own employer, Nila spearheaded the fight for a livable minimum wage and better working conditions in 2019 and continues this fight today.
Nila Payton addressing a crowd in solidarity with striking P-G workers at their rally in downtown Pittsburgh, Saturday, January 28.
Currently, UPMC controls the healthcare system in Western Pennsylvania, operating 40 hospitals — refusing to pay its workers fair wages and raking in billions in revenue (more than double the NFL) on the backs of taxpayers.
90% of Pittsburgh hospital workers reported that their units don't have the staff to keep up with their workload — pushing workers to their limits and endangering patients. At the end of 2021, hundreds of protestors filled the streets to demand a $20 minimum wage, safer staffing, better working conditions, affordable health care, and the right to form a union without retaliation — a fight they are still carrying on today.
Nila is part of a long Pittsburgh tradition of workers demanding their employers treat them fairly and improve working conditions, and we need more people like her in our movement. We must honor their struggle by passing legislation which will protect workers. Will you chip in $5 and help us continue this fight for labor rights?
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Pittsburgh is a union town because amazing workers, like Nila, stand with courage and conviction against corporate Goliaths. We can all learn from Nila, Summer certainly has.
Summer ran for Congress to take on the billionaire CEOs, union-busters, and price gougers who are keeping our families sick and in debt. She’s ready to fight for a robust labor movement that reflects the racial, gender, and industry diversity that a 21st century labor movement demands.
If you're with Summer, will you support this work with a donation today? Your donation will go towards our work to push both President Biden and Congress toward greater workers' rights.
— Team Summer
