Nurses, technicians, and medical assistants win payout from Providence

April 25, 2024 / 3:41 pm

caption: At Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, non-urgent surgeries are being cancelled and nurses who don't normally work with patients are being prepared to return to the front lines. The actions come as COVID-19 cases continue to spike.

Tens of thousands of Providence nurses, technicians, and medical assistants are about to get their slice of a big payout — totaling $220 million.

That major chunk of change comes as part of a verdict in a class action wage theft lawsuit. It was filed on behalf of hourly workers against Providence Health & Services.

Soundside guest host Diana Opong caught up with Elise Takahama, a staff reporter for The Seattle Times, to break down the verdict, and what it means for some Providence staffers.

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Diana Opong
Reporter & Host

Diana Opong is a general assignment reporter at KUOW, committed to illuminating impactful stories throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her journalistic lens spans between environmental phenomena like invasive green crabs to transformative milestones in ballet. Rooted in curiosity, Diana's approach to reporting blends meticulous research with collaborative storytelling, ensuring her work resonates deeply with audiences. She has also showcased her expertise as a freelance host for NPR's Life Kit and as a spot news reporter for NPR News, consistently delivering insightful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
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Noel Gasca
Producer, Soundside

Noel is a producer for KUOW’s midday show Soundside. Prior to joining Soundside, Noel worked as an online editor/producer with KUOW’s web team. She’s also a proud graduate of KUOW’s RadioActive program.
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