Concord, NH — September 16, 2025
In a historic first for New Hampshire, nurses at Concord Hospital have officially unionized, becoming the Granite State’s first unionized nursing staff at a private hospital. The milestone was hailed by labor leaders, elected officials, and health care advocates as a breakthrough in the fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and stronger patient care standards.
The organizing effort was led by the nurses themselves, with support from SEA/SEIU Local 1984, which announced the victory earlier this month. The union represents public and private sector employees across New Hampshire, but this marks its first successful drive at a private hospital.
“This is history in the making,” the union said in a statement. “Nurses have stood together to win a voice on the job and to fight for the resources they need to provide the best care possible for their patients.”
Sanders Praises Union Win
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a longtime advocate for organized labor and Medicare for All, celebrated the development on social media.
“The nurses at Concord Hospital made history by becoming New Hampshire’s first unionized nurses at a private hospital,” Sanders wrote. “All across the country doctors, nurses & thousands of health care workers are organizing to save our broken health care system. We appreciate what they do.”
His post quickly gained traction, drawing thousands of likes, shares, and comments in support of the nurses.
A Growing Trend in Health Care Organizing
The unionization drive in Concord comes amid a broader wave of labor activity across the nation. From large urban hospitals to rural health systems, health care workers are increasingly seeking union representation to address understaffing, burnout, stagnant wages, and a lack of input in hospital decision-making.
In New Hampshire, where union density has traditionally been lower than neighboring states, this victory could inspire similar efforts at other hospitals and health care facilities.
Labor experts say the win could shift the balance of power in New Hampshire’s health care industry. “This is a signal moment,” said one labor organizer. “It shows that even in traditionally difficult states for union drives, health care workers are ready to step up and demand change.”
What Comes Next
The newly formed union at Concord Hospital will now begin the process of negotiating its first contract with hospital administrators. Key issues are expected to include safe staffing levels, wage increases, job protections, and improved benefits.
While management has not yet released a detailed public statement, the hospital has previously said it is committed to “constructive dialogue” with its staff.
For the nurses on the frontlines, the victory is both personal and professional. “This is about respect—for ourselves as nurses and for the patients we care for every day,” said one Concord Hospital nurse who supported the union effort.
As the eyes of the state turn to Concord, the success of this organizing effort may set a precedent for health care workers across New Hampshire and beyond.
