SSM Health appealing certification of union vote at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison

August 5, 2026 - 18:52

SSM Health is formally appealing the certification of a union vote at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, a move that could delay collective bargaining for hundreds of nurses. The appeal comes after National Labor Relations Board staff certified the election late last month, following a decisive vote in which nurses chose union representation by a margin of 511 to 63.

The nurses voted to join the Service Employees International Union of Wisconsin, marking one of the largest organizing wins in the state in recent years. But SSM Health argues the election process was flawed, citing concerns about the timing of the vote and the conduct of union organizers on hospital property. The health system has not provided specific details of its objections, but it has asked the NLRB to review the case.

Union representatives say the appeal is a stalling tactic and that the overwhelming vote shows clear support for collective bargaining. They point to staffing levels, wages, and workplace safety as key issues that prompted the organizing drive. The NLRB regional office will now review the appeal, which could take weeks or months. If the board upholds the certification, SSM Health would be required to sit down with the union and negotiate a first contract. If the appeal succeeds, a new election could be ordered, though that is rare given the size of the vote margin. Meanwhile, nurses at St. Mary's continue to work under existing conditions, with no immediate changes to their pay or schedules.