(COLUMBUS, OHIO) - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has successfully filed a representation petition at the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) in Columbus, Ohio for 980 Patient Care Associates (PCAs) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs) employed at the Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.

The organizing effort is a result of a collaboration between the IAM and the Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO), a Local of the Ohio Nurses Association and an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which represent approximately 4,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) at the Wexner Medical Center.

The PCAs and PCTs are short-staffed, underpaid, and deserve a wage and benefit package reflecting the professional care they provide daily to their patients, Union Officials said.

Proper staffing and improvements in other work-related issues will improve patient care across the entire Wexner Medical Center, they added.

“I have had the honor of listening to the Workers’ stories and the theme that rings throughout is their desire to improve patient care at the Wexner Medical Center,” IAM Grand Lodge Representative Ali Rhodes said. “Their hard work and dedication throughout this process has been notable as they set to achieve a safer and well-staffed workplace.”

PCA Skylar McElwain said: “As a PCA, I look forward to negotiating with the Hospital to rightfully enhance our working conditions not only for ourselves but for the betterment of our patients.  No longer can we be left out of decisions about workplace safety, patient safety, and our general working conditions.  I have seen what the Nurses’ Union has been able to achieve and I am excited about what is to come.”

IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo added: “The IAM is committed to assisting the PCAs and PCTs in reaching a respectable standard of wages and working conditions at the OSU Wexner Medical Center.  They deserve nothing less for their hard work and commitment to the professional patient care they provide.”

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: IAM Healthcare Files for Union Election for 980 Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Healthcare Professionals - IAMAW (goiam.org)

Learn More About The PCA Campaign At PCAUnion.org.