Investigations A WA worker’s death reveals the limits of safety enforcement A fatal trench collapse in 2016 set precedent for holding employers criminally liable, but officials still struggle to head off repeat violations. by Lizz Giordano / November 29, 2023
Investigations WA bridges still in poor condition, despite $630M in federal aid The state transportation agency has allocated about 13% of early funding for repairs, but more is needed to address the backlog of projects. by Lizz Giordano / December 27, 2023
Investigations Over a third of WA’s job safety fines are reduced after appeals One company negotiated a $1.3M reduction with the state’s safety agency after a worker’s hand was crushed, following multiple other violations. by Lizz Giordano / January 5, 2024
Investigations Sound Transit settles whistleblower case over safety complaints The former employee alleged that supervisors retaliated against him for raising concerns about repair records and other safeguards. by Lizz Giordano / July 24, 2023 / Updated at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2023
Investigations A WA bill would extend unemployment pay to workers on strike Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages. by Lizz Giordano / February 8, 2024
Investigations Legislators are shaping their staff’s collective bargaining rights But workers it would affect can’t weigh in. Ethics rules prevent them from lobbying on bills — even ones that would define their ability to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / January 24, 2024
Investigations With 3 recent wins, Starbucks union gains traction in Eastern WA Reduced hours and dwindling benefits spur baristas to action as a small Prosser cafe becomes the 27th in the state to vote to unionize. by Lizz Giordano / September 21, 2023
News Value Village rebuked by judge for deceiving consumers The chain had been sued by the Washington state Attorney General for deliberately confusing shoppers. by Francesca Lyman Investigate West / November 8, 2019
Investigations 'Community navigators' bridge the healthcare gap for BIPOC groups In King County, public health ambassadors with cultural connections help break down patient/provider barriers. by Lizz Giordano / February 9, 2023
Investigations WA has 530 bridges in 'poor' condition — and limited repair money Even with $605 million in federal aid, the state can't catch up with its growing maintenance backlog. by Lizz Giordano / January 18, 2023