USW Applauds PLRB Decision on Pitt Staff, Calls on Administration to Finally Bargain in Earnest

Contact: Matt Nader, [email protected]

(Pittsburgh) - United Steelworkers (USW) District 10 Director Bernie Hall issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board's (PLRB) Oct. 20 decision affirming that the Pitt administration broke the law in 2025 by attempting to circumvent the union and gain an unfair advantage during contract negotiations:

"Our union welcomes the PLRB's decision and its finding that the administration's behavior, unlawfully interrogating Pitt staff and directly dealing with workers last year, was 'a failure to bargain in good faith.'

"Pitt staff work hard and deserve a contract that reflects their contributions to the campus community.

"But it's been clear for some time that, in addition to breaking the law, the administration is simply not treating this process with the proper commitment or urgency.

"Agreeing to talks at most every two to three weeks is not enough, especially if the administration's bargaining team can't or won't respond to the union's proposals on vital issues like job security.

"Its continued reliance on high-priced lawyers specializing in union avoidance further demonstrates the administration's misplaced priorities.

"It's long past time for the administration to come to the table ready to work collaboratively with its dedicated staff to bargain a new contract that is fair to both sides."

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.

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