UPMC system to cut more than 1,000 mostly non-clinical jobs, including some in Erie

Jim Martin, Erie Times-News
·2 min read

UPMC, the Pittsburgh-based healthcare giant that includes UPMC Hamot in Erie, is cutting more than 1,000 jobs, most of them non-clinical.

It's a big number, but represents just a little over 1% of the health system's employment rolls of more than 100,000. An unspecified number of those cuts will affect Erie-based employees.

UPMC Hamot, shown in a 2018 file photo, is Erie County's second-largest employer.
UPMC Hamot, shown in a 2018 file photo, is Erie County's second-largest employer.

Changing realities

In a statement, Paul Wood, a UPMC vice president and chief communications officer, said that the health care industry continues to face the realities of an evolving post-pandemic marketplace.

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According to that statement, "To ensure that UPMC continues to thrive as a leading, successful health care organization, limited reductions are occurring throughout the health system primarily among non-clinical, non-member-facing, administrative staff."

Wood said UPMC is responding to challenges facing the industry "while remaining true to its mission of providing exceptional care for patients, employees, members, and communities."

Some jobs won't be filled

The job cuts won't necessarily equate to a mass layoff, however. According to UPMC, many of the cuts will be made "through attrition, closing of open positions, elimination of redundancies and other actions."

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Existing employees who lose their jobs will be eligible for "enhanced severance pay and benefits coverage," according to UPMC.

Wood's statement went on to say: "This realignment will not alter UPMC’s investments in our communities, facilities, commitment to clinical care and research, strategic growth, or to offering those throughout our workforce industry-leading benefits."

UPMC Hamot is Erie County's second-largest employer, according to the state Department of Labor & Industry.

UPMC includes 40 hospitals and 800 medical offices in Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: UPMC to cut more than 1,000 jobs, including some In Erie PA