More than 33,000 Providence employees filed a class-action complaint against the health system in 2021, alleging that it had been withholding their wages by denying them breaks and rounding down their working hours. Last week, Providence was ordered to pay more than $200 million in damages — a decision that “sends a message to healthcare corporations,” according to an attorney representing the workers.
Healthcare providers will continue having a difficult time retaining employees unless they make necessary changes, such as establishing pay increases and improving company culture. Healthcare ranked last for employee satisfaction with pay among 27 other industries, according to a recent report. A separate report found that many healthcare employees are leaving their jobs because their company’s mission no longer aligns with their values.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are warning their constituents about UPMC, claiming the health system has built a monopoly that negatively affects both employee wellbeing and patient safety. They said UPMC has “considerable power over workers, which it wields to keep wages low, conditions unsatisfactory and prevent union organizing.”
Healthcare workers at Stanford Medical Center and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital ratified a new agreement that increases their wages by 15% over the next three years. It's been good month for nurses unions in Northern California — Kaiser Permanente nurses recently ratified a new contract that increased wages by 22.5% over four years and included provisions for improved staffing.
The Texas-based health system first sued the staffing firm for "price gouging" amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as wages for nurses shot up from $75 to $160. But the firm countersued, claiming that Steward — which owes Aya over $40 million — previously did not raise objections to its prices.