Nurses at 10 SSM Health outpatient clinics in Dane County working to unionize

August 13, 2026 - 18:46

The nurses say they are seeking a stronger voice in workplace decisions, better staffing protections, and more consistent pay scales. Many of them point to the St. Mary's hospital nurses, who voted to unionize last year, as a direct inspiration. That group has since negotiated its first contract, which included wage increases and improved safety protocols.

Organizers with the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals are helping with the drive. They say the clinic nurses have been gathering authorization cards for several weeks and expect to file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board soon.

SSM Health has not commented directly on the union effort, but in past statements the system has said it respects employees' rights to organize while also emphasizing its commitment to open communication. The clinics involved are spread across Madison and surrounding communities, and a successful vote would create one of the largest outpatient bargaining units in the region. Nurses involved in the campaign say the goal is not just better pay, but a real say in how clinics are run day to day.