Pittsburgh-based UPMC will increase its paid parental leave benefit to four weeks effective Jan. 1, 2027, a system spokesperson said in a statement shared with Becker’s.
The benefit applies to all eligible employees systemwide, the spokesperson said. UPMC introduced a two-week paid parental leave policy in 2019, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Sept. 9.
“UPMC has a long history of investing in employee benefits and regularly evaluates those programs as workforce needs evolve, and this year was no different,” the spokesperson said. “Paid parental leave at UPMC, coupled with other benefits such as short-term disability and PTO, can exceed 14 weeks.”
The change comes as UPMC negotiates a first contract with more than 900 nurses and advanced practitioners at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, who are represented by SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania. Bargaining began in January, with nurse-to-patient ratios at the center of talks.
SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania said in a Sept. 9 news release shared with Becker’s that the union is urging the Allegheny County Council to pass a broader measure. The county Board of Health voted May 13 to advance an amendment to the county’s health code that would require all employers in the county, regardless of size, to provide at least 18 weeks of paid parental leave. The board has not taken a final vote; if it adopts the amendment, the measure would go to the county council, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
UPMC operates more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites across Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
