MADISON (WKOW) — Nearly 900 registered nurses at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital voted overwhelmingly to form a union, with 511 in favor and 63 against, according to vote totals released Thursday.
The National Labor Relations Board conducted the election, with voting running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. before ballots were counted later in the evening. Nurses voted to be represented by SEIU Wisconsin.
Organizers said the result reflects a broader national trend of health care workers seeking more input on staffing, retention and patient care. They said more than 73% of eligible nurses had signed union authorization cards ahead of the vote and petitioned for an election in May.
“Our patient advocacy doesn’t end at the bedside, and that’s why we formed our union,” said one St. Mary’s labor and delivery nurse.
Another nurse in cardiac intermediate care said the union will help ensure staffing, resources and support keep pace with patient needs.
SSM Health said in a statement it would have preferred a different outcome and emphasized its commitment to working directly with staff.
The health system said it remains focused on maintaining a “compassionate, high-quality, healing environment” and noted its long history of serving the community.
The hospital added it hopes SEIU Wisconsin will continue to respect its mission as it moves forward.
Nurses are now expected to begin preparing for contract negotiations, including forming a bargaining committee and identifying priorities such as staffing levels and scheduling.
The union win places SSM Health St. Mary’s nurses alongside other unionized healthcare workers in the region, including those at Meriter Hospital.