SSM Health challenging recent union election at St. Mary's hospital in Madison

July 9, 2026 - 21:30

SSM Health is formally contesting the results of a recent union election at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, filing objections with the National Labor Relations Board. The health system had already raised concerns before the vote, challenging whether the hospital's charge nurses should be allowed to participate in the election. Now, after the ballots were cast, SSM has submitted formal objections over how the election was conducted.

The move follows a contentious organizing effort at the Madison facility. Workers have been seeking union representation, arguing for better staffing levels and improved working conditions. SSM Health, however, maintains that certain supervisory roles, such as charge nurses, do not qualify as union-eligible employees under federal labor law. The health system also alleges that the election process itself was flawed, though it has not publicly detailed specific irregularities.

The National Labor Relations Board will now review the objections. If the board finds merit in SSM's claims, it could order a new election or dismiss the results entirely. Union organizers have criticized the challenge, calling it a delay tactic. A final decision from the NLRB could take weeks or months. The outcome will affect not only the 1,500 workers at St. Mary's but also set a precedent for future union drives at other SSM Health facilities in the region.