In a landmark decision, a class action lawsuit filed by 33,000 hourly employees of Providence Health & Services in Renton, Washington, has resulted in a substantial judgment in favor of the workers. The court found that the organization had intentionally underpaid its employees for years by using an outdated time clock rounding policy that rounded down the hours worked.
The lawsuit, initially filed in 2021, alleged that the employees suffered significant losses due to these practices. According to court records, the violations amounted to over $98 million in wages owed to the workers. The court determined that these actions were willful and therefore punitive damages were required under Washington state law. As a result, the total judgment awarded to the workers is expected to surpass $200 million.
This ruling represents a significant victory for the employees who stood up against unfair payment practices and sought justice through legal action. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of fair labor practices and collective action in addressing labor rights violations. By holding Providence Health & Services accountable for their actions, this decision not only secures rightful compensation for those affected but also sends a message to other organizations about the need for fair treatment of their workers.
