For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
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Office of Labor Standards Announces Settlement with American Medical Response Ambulance Service, Inc.
$157,385.37 Returned to 792 Affected Workers
Seattle, WA – (January 29, 2025) – The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) investigated American Medical Response Ambulance Service, Inc. dba American Medical Response (AMR) for alleged violations of the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance.
OLS alleged the employer failed to pay the correct rate for differential shifts when PSST was taken and retaliated against one employee who raised the issue with his superiors and AMR’s payroll department.
AMR settled the allegations and agreed to pay a financial remedy of $157,385.37 to 792 affected workers, and $1,330.59 to the City of Seattle for a total remedy of $158,715.96.
“This investigation revealed that emergency medical technicians at AMR were financially penalized when they accessed paid sick leave – a fundamental protection for workers and the health of our community. These front-line employees provide essential work for Seattle and they must have safeguards that ensure a healthy, secure, and fair work environment,” said OLS Director, Steven Marchese.
“The Department (OLS) intervened when EMTs experienced unfair pay deductions or other penalties related to legitimate use of sick leave, ensuring our right to utilize sick leave without financial repercussions,” said AMR employee, Kory Hansen. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Seattle Department of Labor Standards, we now have a safer and more equitable workplace. We are grateful for their dedication to protecting the rights of all workers in Seattle.”
AMR has more than 30,500 employees worldwide with over 1,300 employees working in Seattle.
- Help for businesses: for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle’s minimum wage and other labor standards, call 206-256-5297, email. laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out an online request form.
- Help for workers and the public: to ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out a web form.
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