Op-ed: Seattle Children’s declares war on nurses’ rights

Seattle Children's Hospital is a vital resource in the Pacific Northwest, and after more than 20 years providing care within its walls, my pride has only deepened. I’ve witnessed both the privilege and harsh realities of human vulnerability, which has strengthened my commitment to our mission. I have held the hands of countless children—infants with soft, chubby fingers, school-aged kids with dirt under their nails, and teenagers who reflect the innocence of childhood. Along with delivering high-acuity intensive care, I connect deeply with their parents, offering reassurance during their moments of uncertainty.

However, my world—and that of the over 2,100 union nurses at Seattle Children’s—could soon be shattered. The hospital has hired Morgan Lewis, a large corporate law firm notorious for its opposition to worker unionization. This is the first time Seattle Children’s has engaged an out-of-state, union-busting law firm at the nurse contract bargaining table.

By engaging Morgan Lewis for this round of contract negotiations, Seattle Children’s has effectively declared war on workers’ rights and the hard-earned gains that nurses have achieved over decades of union contracts. Choosing Morgan Lewis to represent Seattle Children’s at the bargaining table does not align with our hospital’s values, which include providing the highest quality care to vulnerable children.

Morgan Lewis is not just any corporate law firm; it is one of the most prominent firms representing union-busting employers, including Amazon, SpaceX, Apple, and Tesla. Furthermore, the firm represents SpaceX in its lawsuit against the National Labor Relations Board, arguing the constitutionality of the board's structure.

Recently, President Trump nominated Crystal Carey, a pro-management attorney from Morgan Lewis, to serve as General Counsel to the NLRB. If confirmed, Carey is expected to strongly advocate for “employer rights” over workers' rights. The writing is on the wall. Our collective bargaining rights are at risk.

The change is clear even at our hospital. During my time at Seattle Children’s, I’ve witnessed a strong collaborative relationship between bedside nurses and management, fostering trust and a shared sense of purpose for our mission. However, with the decision by Seattle Children’s to have Morgan Lewis negotiating for our leaders, that trust is eroding. The result is a devaluation of nurse expertise. Nurses are viewed as interchangeable numbers on a spreadsheet, not the caregivers the public expects to critically assess their child’s illness or health concern when they bring their sick children to our door. We do not want to be forced into extreme measures like a strike, but I will not stop standing up for myself, my colleagues, and the vulnerable children we serve.

With corporate power increasing and inequality widening, workers across all professions need unions now more than ever. As of August, 68% of U.S. adults approve of labor unions, the fifth consecutive year that approval of organized labor has been in the 67% to 71% range. Unions fight for healthcare, fair wages, racial equality, and protections for immigrants, mobilizing millions for a fairer system. During the pandemic, unions fought for PPE, safe staffing, hazard pay, and sick leave—winning protections workers couldn't secure on their own.

Bargaining on behalf of Seattle Children’s, Morgan Lewis is undermining our protections under the guise of future economic uncertainty. This is a particularly weak argument given that Children’s reported a gross revenue of $4,185,415,000 in 2024 and a $1.9 billion endowment.

Hospital leadership is facilitating these negotiations, repeatedly resurrecting rejected anti-union proposals that aim to weaken our nurse contract. This blatant disregard for our nurses, patients, and the community can no longer be tolerated. Enough is enough.

We urge Seattle Children’s leadership to cease its union-busting tactics. Morgan Lewis’ influence has no place in our cherished institution. Our nurses will bravely defend our rights, our profession, and most importantly, the care we provide to the precious lives of the children we serve.

Annika Hoogestraat is a longtime registered nurse specializing in pediatric critical care. She serves on the WSNA Board of Directors and on the WSNA negotiating team at Seattle Children’s Hospital.