HCA workers push for higher pay and more staffing amid billions in profits: ‘I’m struggling’
Summary
Workers at HCA Healthcare, the largest for-profit hospital system in the US, are protesting to ask for higher pay, better benefits, and more staff during contract talks. The hospital system reported almost $7 billion in profits last year, but many employees say their wages have not kept up with rising living costs.Key Facts
- HCA Healthcare employs over 300,000 people in the US and the UK; 22,000 US workers are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
- Workers want a minimum wage of $25 an hour, better pay increases, paid vacation and sick time, and stronger job protections.
- Esther Reyes, a worker in El Paso, Texas, earns $16.80 an hour and struggles to cover basic bills.
- HCA reported $6.8 billion in profits in 2025, a 17.8% increase from 2024, and announced a $10 billion stock buyback program in early 2026.
- The HCA CEO earned over $26.5 million in 2025, about 420 times more than the average employee salary of $62,955.
- Nurses report that understaffing hurts patient care and increases risks, with some states blocking laws to ensure safer nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Union members are holding protests and pickets at hospitals in states including California, Texas, Nevada, and Florida.
- HCA says it is negotiating in good faith with union representatives and values its employees.
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