Union workers with HCA Healthcare, which operates hospitals in the US and UK, are holding picket protests across the US. They are pushing for pay and staffing increases as part of new contract negotiations.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) represents 22,000 US workers at HCA. These workers are asking for a pathway to a $25 an hour minimum wage, improved wage scales, and raises that match the increased cost of living. They also seek benefits including paid vacation, sick time, and bolstered work protections.
HCA Healthcare reported $6.8bn in profits in 2025, an increase of 17.8% from 2024. The company authorised a $10bn stock buyback programme in early 2026. Sam Hazen, HCA CEO, received over $26.5m in total compensation in 2025, which was 420 times more than the median employee compensation of $62,955.
Picket protests are planned at over a dozen HCA hospitals in California, Texas, Nevada, and Florida this week. HCA stated that a small number of its affiliated hospitals are in individual negotiations with local SEIU chapters. The company added that it is committed to reaching a fair agreement through good-faith negotiations.