Nearly 1,000 nurses from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital have voted to unionize in what is being called the largest nurse union election in recent Pennsylvania history.

Those in favor of a union at the hospital say the push came so that they can have more time with their patients along with having a seat at the decision-making table.

Voting to unionize took place on August 19 and August 23, where the vote to join SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania passed by a vote of 402-305.

"My coworkers and I are absolutely overjoyed to finally win a union voice for our patients, our profession and our community," said Jenna Berry, who is a registered nurse at the MageeWomen's Cancer Center. 

"I love being a nurse at Magee, and in many ways our hospital is a wonderful place to work, but we need a united voice to advocate for our patients and the future of our profession," said Ashley Grieco, who is a registered nurse in Magee's neonatal intensive care unit and has seven years of service to UPMC. "The healthcare system in our state and our country has been heading in the wrong direction, and that's why doctors, nurses, advanced practitioners and other healthcare workers are standing up for ourselves and those we care for. We have to take a stand for our professions and our community, because we've learned that no one else will."

Following the announcement of the unionization vote, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council President Darrin Kelly released a statement, saying that "the workers have spoken and the patients will benefit."

"UPMC needs to do the right thing, accept this election without delay, and recognize their nurses' right to form a union," Kelly said. 

Nurses rally in Oakland

Nurses from Magee-Womens Hospital rallied in Oakland on Tuesday. Those at the rally spoke often about the ways they believe UPMC tried to stop them from unionizing. 

"Unfortunately, they did hire a legal law firm to help them in an anti-union campaign. But our nurses pushed through, we prevailed," said nurse Clare Duffeuss.

Nurses said it comes down to patient care. 

"It's not about money, it is about providing care to our patients. With that, nurses deserve more overall. We deserve better wages and we deserve better benefits than we're receiving right now. And so that comes along with this fight as well," Duffeuss said.

Nurses said the fight has been going on for some time, but it's just now that they've finally been able to organize.

"Despite efforts over many years to try to make improvements through the usual channels and talking to our managers, we just haven't seen the changes that we really want to see. So a union gives us a real seat at the table," said Ronni Gate, a certified nurse midwife. 

In a statement, UPMC said, "We respect the decision of UPMC Magee nurses to unionize with the SEIU and look forward to building a respectful partnership. We remain committed to fostering a collaborative work environment focused on providing exceptional care for our patients."