Healthcare workers at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital have authorized a strike to call attention to wages that they say are so low that many have had to go on government assistance to feed their families and receive healthcare.

Geisinger healthcare workers, all members of SEIU Healthcare PA, say they earn wages as low as $15.25 an hour. Their ranks include nursing assistants, environmental services workers, dietary aides, and patient transporters.

The 150 healthcare workers note that corporate owner Kaiser Permanente, the largest non-profit healthcare corporation in the country, has made almost $8 billion in profits this year, while the Geisinger CEO made more than $12 million in 2023. The hospital made almost $26 million in operating profit in fiscal year 2024.

“Geisinger can absolu

See Full Page