UPMC Altoona’s registered nurses are holding a “speakout” rally across Howard Avenue from the hospital’s main entrance at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The theme of the event is “No More Tricks UPMC; Invest in our Community,” according to an email Monday from the union.

The nurses have been negotiating since Oct. 9 on a new contract to replace the current one that expires at the end of the year, according to the news release.

The nurses are critical of UPMC for alleged understaffing at the local hospital, for alleged low pay that makes keeping staff there difficult and for what the union suggests is exorbitant pay and perks for corporate management.

The union is also critical of UPMC for its alleged shortfall on promises made when the company bought the local hospital more than a decade ago.

The expectation from the takeover was growth, but there are 300 fewer nurses working at the hospital now, and 700 fewer employees overall, according to the news release.

The union also criticizes the company for sometimes long wait times in the emergency room and for a trauma center designation downgrade in 2024.

The event will be Halloween themed, with nurses “holding lighted pumpkins with messages,” according to the news release.

Community members will participate with the nurses in the event, according to the news release.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.