SEIU, the largest bargaining representative of Allegheny County employees, today publicly affirmed its support of Bethany Hallam’s pending legislation in Allegheny County Council that would progressively raise the wage of all County employees to $20 an hour by 2026.

"This legislation is a critical investment in the County’s workforce,” said Steve Catanese, President of SEIU Local 668. "The workers providing vital services to Allegheny County residents should be paid a living wage. We urge members of Allegheny County Council to support this bill."

In today's politically tense climate, SEIU was disappointed to see a press release from the County that attacked this meaningful legislation that would improve the lives of many Allegheny County employees.

In 2022, SEIU members called for a strike before ultimately reaching an agreement that, among other provisions, raised the starting wage for County employees to a floor of $18 an hour by 2024. Since the contract settled, our union has continued to advocate for our Allegheny County members on numerous issues – such as reducing onerous overtime mandates, retaining qualified staff in essential positions, and improving worksite safety.

This workforce investment is crucial when the County must compete with private sector employers to recruit and retain talent in essential areas such as health and human services and public safety. Allegheny County employees need our next County Executive to be ready to invest in the County and its workforce.

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