A King County Superior Court judge has granted final approval to a $10.94 million class action settlement resolving claims that Kaiser Permanente failed to properly compensate employees for meal breaks worked in Washington State. The settlement marks the conclusion of litigation brought by nearly 11,600 nonexempt Kaiser employees.
Judge Karen Matson Donohue approved the settlement on Friday, describing the agreement as fair and reasonable. Under the terms, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest will pay approximately $6.75 million to affected employees. Class counsel will receive $3.6 million in legal fees from the settlement fund.
The class action suit, initially filed in March 2024 by Kerri Miller, a nursing assistant at Kaiser’s Central Hospital in Seattle, alleged violations of the Washington Industrial Welfare Act and state wage laws related to unpaid meal breaks. The lawsuit represents hourly licensed healthcare professionals and clinical service workers who worked for Kaiser between March 2021 and December 2024.
“This settlement demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to compliance with labor laws and fair treatment of our workforce,” a Kaiser spokesperson stated. “We continue to uphold policies ensuring our employees receive rest and meal breaks, reflecting our dedication to being a best place to work and receive care.”
The settlement also covers court costs, administration expenses, and service awards for class representatives. Class members are expected to receive average payments of approximately $1,120 each, with additional compensation available for those opting into a Fair Labor Standards Act subclass.
