The hospital, part of Pittsburgh-based UPMC, is the largest behavioral health provider in the region, according to WESA.
The 115 nurses at the hospital are represented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. The union has been negotiating with UPMC since August.
Nurses alleged the hospital is understaffed, and there has been a turnover rate of more than 100% over the past three years. Nurses also say the hospital has closed beds, leading to long waitlists and reduced services for patients, WESA reported.
“The closed beds, severe understaffing and turnover caused by UPMC’s policies have undermined Western Psych’s ability to handle the growing mental health and substance abuse crisis in the region,” SEIU Healthcare said in a statement shared with WESA.
No date is set for the strike, and nurses at the hospital plan to hold a rally next week.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, a UPMC spokesperson said negotiations are ongoing.
“UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is committed to supporting our employees, patients and community. Contract negotiations between the parties are ongoing, and the hospital continues to bargain in good faith,” the spokesperson said.
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