Burien Beat
Dozens of healthcare workers and nurses at St. Anne Hospital in Burien held an informational picket on Tuesday, April 28, as contract negotiations between union members and hospital management continue.
The workers, represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, gathered outside the hospital between 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to call for a new labor agreement addressing wages, staffing, and working conditions. Negotiations between the union and the hospital’s parent company, CommonSpirit Health, have been ongoing for approximately 10 months.
According to union representatives, the two sides remain far apart on several key issues. Workers have cited concerns about staff turnover and shortages, which they say may affect patient care. Among the changes sought are wage increases aligned with the cost of living and regional standards, additional staffing for break relief, adjustments to nurse assignments, enhanced workplace safety measures, and increased worker input in decision-making.
Participants in the picket included employees from a range of hospital departments. In statements shared by the union, workers described challenges related to rising living costs and workplace conditions, including difficulties ensuring adequate meal and rest breaks.
The April event follows a similar informational picket held in November 2025 at another CommonSpirit facility, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw. That dispute was resolved earlier this year when union nurses and management reached a contract agreement in February 2026.
Union organizers invited community members to attend the Burien picket to learn more about the ongoing negotiations and to show support for healthcare workers. Hospital representatives had not publicly responded to the union’s latest statements at the time of the event.
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents more than 38,000 caregivers across Washington state and Montana, including workers in hospitals, clinics, and home health and hospice programs.
In a statement provided to The Highline Journal, hospital leadership said:
“St. Anne Hospital and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are actively negotiating to reach a fair contract for our nurses and service employees.
As always, we respect our team members' right to have their voices heard.
We remain committed to the bargaining process and our sincere hope is to reach an agreement with our nurses and service employees soon.”
— Brandon Holt, Interim President, St. Anne Hospital
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