Local Teamsters Rally with Congressman to Protect Health Care Services in New Kensington
On October 9, 2025, members of Teamsters Local 30 gathered at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) New Kensington Express and Primacy Care facility to advocate for the preservation of essential health care services in their community. Joined by Congressman Chris Deluzio and local community members, they voiced their concerns regarding the potential closure of the facility, a decision that could significantly impact the health of local residents, particularly the elderly population who rely on these services.
Gino Bessetti, President of Teamsters Local 30, emphasized the importance of keeping the clinic operational, stating, "Our community depends on the care provided by Teamsters and needs this facility to stay open. It would be shameful to close this thriving clinic, especially as AHN aims to undermine our members' hard-won union rights." His remarks resonated with the crowd, who expressed solidarity and determination to fight against what they perceive as unjust labor practices.
Congressman Deluzio reaffirmed the importance of union rights and quality health care access, saying, "Every worker should have the freedom to form and join a union without fear of retaliation. My message is clear: our country should respect this freedom, and we need more health care options in our region, not fewer.” His words rallied the crowd, highlighting a shared commitment to defend both labor rights and community health.
The prospect of closing the New Kensington facility would force local residents to travel across the Allegheny River to obtain essential medical services, posing a burden—especially for elderly patients who may struggle with transportation and mobility. Mari Kerr, a nurse practitioner at the clinic, noted the detrimental effects such a closure could have, stating, "Without access to care provided by this office, many of our patients would likely end up in the hospital. We don’t want to see this happen, and we are calling on AHN to stop trying to break our union with its threats to close the New Kensington facility.”
This ongoing struggle highlights the broader fight for healthcare access and labor rights in Pennsylvania. Teamsters Local 30 represents approximately 1,900 workers across various industries in Westmoreland County, emphasizing their commitment not only to workers' rights but also to the well-being of their local community.
The rally is a part of a larger movement to protect health care facilities in the region from closing and to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary medical care without undue hardship. With strong community support, Teamsters Local 30 continues to advocate for health care services that the people of New Kensington urgently need, demanding that AHN reconsider its plans to close the facility. For more information on Teamsters Local 30 and their ongoing initiatives, visit teamsterslocal30.com.
Gino Bessetti, President of Teamsters Local 30, emphasized the importance of keeping the clinic operational, stating, "Our community depends on the care provided by Teamsters and needs this facility to stay open. It would be shameful to close this thriving clinic, especially as AHN aims to undermine our members' hard-won union rights." His remarks resonated with the crowd, who expressed solidarity and determination to fight against what they perceive as unjust labor practices.
Congressman Deluzio reaffirmed the importance of union rights and quality health care access, saying, "Every worker should have the freedom to form and join a union without fear of retaliation. My message is clear: our country should respect this freedom, and we need more health care options in our region, not fewer.” His words rallied the crowd, highlighting a shared commitment to defend both labor rights and community health.
The prospect of closing the New Kensington facility would force local residents to travel across the Allegheny River to obtain essential medical services, posing a burden—especially for elderly patients who may struggle with transportation and mobility. Mari Kerr, a nurse practitioner at the clinic, noted the detrimental effects such a closure could have, stating, "Without access to care provided by this office, many of our patients would likely end up in the hospital. We don’t want to see this happen, and we are calling on AHN to stop trying to break our union with its threats to close the New Kensington facility.”
This ongoing struggle highlights the broader fight for healthcare access and labor rights in Pennsylvania. Teamsters Local 30 represents approximately 1,900 workers across various industries in Westmoreland County, emphasizing their commitment not only to workers' rights but also to the well-being of their local community.
The rally is a part of a larger movement to protect health care facilities in the region from closing and to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary medical care without undue hardship. With strong community support, Teamsters Local 30 continues to advocate for health care services that the people of New Kensington urgently need, demanding that AHN reconsider its plans to close the facility. For more information on Teamsters Local 30 and their ongoing initiatives, visit teamsterslocal30.com.
Topics Health）
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