Most employees have an unequivocal right to compensation for all their hours worked, a principle that is foundational to ethical business practices. When employers fail to adhere to these standards, they not only undermine worker trust but also expose companies to significant legal risks and reputational damage.
In May, the King County Superior Court delivered a landmark judgment in Bennett et al. v. Providence Health & Services. Providence was ordered to pay over $229 million to more than 33,000 hourly employees, spotlighting a major wage violation issue within the healthcare sector. This ruling underscores the critical importance of fair compensation for workers and serves as a potent reminder for employers to adhere to just pay practices.
The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2021, was brought forth on behalf of Providence’s nurses, technicians, medical assistants, and other hourly caregivers. The complaint alleged systemic wage violations, including the denial of legally mandated second meal breaks and an unlawful time clock rounding policy that resulted in consistent underpayment of workers. According to an analysis of timeclock and pay records, Providence failed to compensate employees for over 234,000 work hours over five years.
The court’s judgment awarded $90.3 million for unpaid and missed second meal breaks, with an additional $9.3 million for unpaid wages due to time clock rounding. Notably, $1.3 million was deducted from the total amount based on employees who had knowingly waived their second meal breaks. The total damages were doubled due to a summary judgment ruling in January, which determined that Providence willfully committed these wage violations. Statutory interest further increased the total owed to more than $229 million.
The class of 33,000 healthcare workers involved in this case, represented by HKM Employment Attorneys and Stutheit Kalin, LLC, includes all hourly employees at Providence in Washington state who experienced wage loss due to these practices between September 2018 and May 2023. This case highlights the vital role that legal representation plays in protecting employee rights and ensuring employers are held accountable for unjust pay practices.
Photo Courtesy: HKM Employment Attorneys
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, the firm that played a pivotal role in securing this victory, is a national employment law firm with a robust track record in advocating for workers. With numerous offices across the United States, HKM Employment Attorneys is well-equipped to handle various employment-related legal issues. The firm represents employees in multiple industries and at all employment levels, demonstrating a commitment to defending workers against companies, regardless of size.
The Providence case serves as a potent reminder of the importance of equitable pay practices and the need for employers to be vigilant about compliance with wage laws. It also highlights the critical role that employment attorneys, like those at HKM Employment Attorneys, play in holding companies accountable and advocating for workers’ rights.
“My father was a law professor in Nebraska, and he always instilled in me the need to use the law for good and to help others. By focusing on employment law, especially representing workers, I feel that I’m able to give back to the community.” shares Daniel Kalish, a Managing Partner at HKM Employment Attorneys LLP.
For employees facing wage issues or concerns about their compensation, reaching out to experienced employment attorneys can be a crucial step in addressing these issues.
Firms like HKM Employment Attorneys offer valuable support and advocacy, helping workers navigate the complexities of employment law and seek justice for unfair practices. Visit their website at: https://hkm.com/
Published by: Khy Talara
