COLUMBUS, Ohio — Health care workers at Ohio State University's (OSU) Wexner Medical Center have voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

What You Need To Know

  • The nearly 1,000 workers are composed of Patient Care Associates (PCA) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCT)

  • Ali Rhodes, IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative, started this movement over a year ago
  • This change will not only enhance their lives, but increase patient care as well

According to a press release, the nearly 1,000 workers are composed of Patient Care Associates (PCA) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCT). 

“As a PCA, I am so happy to have a voice in the workplace finally,” said Lyndsee Cody, PCA at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center. “Alongside my colleagues, we came together knowing that we deserve to be heard to have a better quality of life for ourselves and others surrounding us. Having a Union at OSU will strengthen us as a team and as a whole alongside the nurses. I am looking forward to our future with the IAM.”  

Ali Rhodes, IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative, started this movement more than a year ago. Their dedication to empower health care workers is on their goals.

“The resilience and unity showed by the Patient Care Associates at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center has been nothing short of inspiring,” Rhodes said. “We are proud to welcome them into the IAM family, and we look forward to working together to secure better conditions for all.” 

This change will not only enhance their lives, but increase patient care as well. This will help the PCAs and PCTs in their fight for better workplace conditions, including workplace safety, increased staffing and fair wages/benefits. 

“The successful outcome of this organizing campaign is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our organizing team,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “We are proud to have empowered these health care workers and believe this victory will serve as a beacon for further organizing efforts within the health care industry.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care and other industries.