CRANBERRY TWP — A group of Sherwood Oaks employees had an informational picket Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Rochester Road and Norman Drive.

About 40 people were at the intersection about 2 p.m. Then there was a 3:30 p.m. rally that included Dan LaVallee, the Democratic congressional candidate in the 3rd District.

Many of the protestors work as licensed practical nurses, nurses’ aides, dietary aides, housekeepers and maintenance at the retirement community, which is owned UPMC.

The employees are members of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, a union that has 150 members at Sherwood Oaks.

The demonstrators called for a new contract for the workers who want higher wages. Their contract expired at the end of July.

Melinda Matthews, a housekeeper at Sherwood Oaks, said she makes $9.75 an hour and recently came up $100 short on her monthly budget after unexpected medical expenses.

“They just don’t have fair wages here,” Matthews said.

Shelly Rohm, a certified nursing assistant, said the employees and residents at the facility form a bond like a big family, but low wages have caused employee turnover as some workers leave for better paying jobs.

“It isn’t the name on the door that makes Sherwood Oaks, Sherwood Oaks. It’s the people inside,” Rohm said.

Picketers handed out fliers to vehicles stopped at the intersection that stated UPMC’s CEO, Jeffrey Romoff, made $6.5 million last year while 45 percent of the workers at Sherwood Oaks receive $2 less an hour than the state average. Demonstrators also said UPMC has $4 billion in reserves while it pays many of its workers “poverty wages.”

Gloria Kreps, UPMC spokesman, said, “We believe that we offer competitive wages and benefits, and we are continuing to talk in good faith.”

LaVallee told the group, “The urgent moment is now. It’s time to reach a fair and livable wage.”

He said, “I support working American families, and I will stand with them. Building a middle class is so important for Pennsylvania and for America.”