Healthcare workers shake the streets

Hundreds of healthcare workers across the Puget Sound flexed their power this week as they fight for fair contracts

SEATTLE, WA (October 2, 2025) — Fair pay, safe staffing, and respect — these are the common demands of healthcare workers providing essential medical care throughout the Puget Sound who have taken to the streets this week. Nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital, represented by the Washington State Nurses Association, lined the street in Seattle’s University District for an informational picket on Tuesday, as did home and hospice healthcare workers at Providence at Home with Compassus in Lacey, united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

While the healthcare workers do different jobs, for different employers, in different towns, many of the sticking issues in their ongoing contract campaigns are the same: higher wages, improved staffing, and better benefits. These similarities speak to common problems facing workers across healthcare systems — burnout, fewer people entering the profession, and a general lack of respect from employers.

Nurses and allies picketing at Seattle Children’s Hospital on Tuesday.

Speaking of employers, there’s another similarity there, too. Per WSNA, Seattle Children’s Hospital is the wealthiest and most profitable large hospital system in Washington, with a profit margin of 14% in the 2024 fiscal year and 13% in 2025 through the third quarter. Compassus, a private equity firm, boasted a 233% increase in profit over the last three years, per SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Healthcare companies are pulling in a far bit of profit, meanwhile workers are facing increasingly difficult working conditions as wages fall behind and the need for complex care grows, resulting in staffing shortages. Healthcare workers are dedicated to their patients, but the conditions employers create have a clear impact on the quality of patient care.

But one other thing these healthcare workers and nurses have in common? Strong support from their fellow working people. Both informational pickets saw healthcare workers from other hospitals and institutions join the line, as did members of other unions and community supporters. While these healthcare companies have a lot of money at their disposal, the workers have the backing and respect of their communities. And they aren’t backing down.

“Seattle Children’s is betting they can scare you into taking less than you deserve,” said WSLC President April Sims, addressing nurses and allies in Seattle on Tuesday. “They think you’ll back down from this fight for your dignity and your patients care. They think they hide behind the threat of federal cuts when they’re the most profitable hospital. But nurses don’t back down from a fight.”

Healthcare workers, WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter (center), and supporters pose for a photo in Lacey.

Speaking at the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW rally in Lacey, WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter echoed this respect for healthcare workers’ strength and dedication to their patients.

“And let’s be clear: this fight is righteous. Every day, you care for the most vulnerable patients — work that takes skill, heart, and sacrifice,” said Carter. “You deserve respect, not rejection. Fighting for fair wages and strong benefits isn’t just about us — it’s about protecting quality care for every single patient who depends on us. That is justice. That is dignity. That is power.”