We, the undersigned employees of UPMC Altoona and members of AFSCME Local 691 (Council 13) and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, are deeply concerned and outraged by the violent attack on a Patient Care Technician (PCT) that occurred on Nov. 1. This horrifying incident has shaken our entire hospital community and underscored the urgent need for stronger safety protections for all healthcare workers, our patients, and our families.

No employee should ever have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties, especially while providing compassionate care to patients. The attack on our coworkers is not an isolated event, but a symptom of ongoing and worsening workplace safety issues that have too often been ignored or minimized by UPMC.

As a united voice of AFSCME and SEIU members, we call on UPMC to take immediate and meaningful action to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees. As the largest employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC holds not only the privilege of shaping care but the responsibility of leading the way in safeguarding its workforce. Specifically, we demand:

1. A full and transparent investigation into the incident, including how and why safety protocols failed.
2. Enhanced security presence and faster response times, particularly in high-risk areas and during off-peak hours, including installation of metal detectors and guards at every patient and visitor entrance, ID requirement, and all other entry ways locked with key badge access only.
3. Mandatory healthcare de-escalation and workplace safety training for all staff, with regular refreshers.
4. A clear, enforced zero-tolerance policy for violence or threats against healthcare workers—by patients, visitors, or staff.
5. Comprehensive support for affected employees, including paid leave, trauma counseling, and legal or workers’ compensation assistance as needed.
6. Direct involvement of frontline employees and union representatives (AFSCME and SEIU) in developing and implementing safety improvements.

We stand united in solidarity with our colleague who was attacked and with every healthcare worker who faces violence, fear, or disrespect in the workplace. We demand that UPMC act now and invest their massive resources into making our hospital a safe, respectful environment for both workers and patients.

Together, AFSCME and SEIU members demand protection, accountability, and respect.