Assisted living facility workers fired for sounding alarm on conditions 

Firings are part of a pattern of retaliation, understaffing, and dangerous living conditions at Aegis, per caregiver union

SEATTLE, WA (July 2, 2024) — SEIU 775 has  filed unfair labor practice complaints on behalf of two employees fired by Aegis Living for sharing with co-workers a recent Stranger expose’ about problems at Aegis, a privately owned chain of high end assisted living facilities in Washington. Per the union, these firings are the latest actions from management that form a pattern of retaliation against staff who raise concerns about short staffing, low pay and lack of training. 

In May, two workers shared the Stranger article detailing chronic issues at Aegis facilities with co-workers. In response, they were both called into meetings with management and explicitly fired for sharing the news article, per follow-up reporting by Connor Kelley in The Stranger. The ULPs filed by SEIU 775 seek immediate injunctive relief to win back these workers’ jobs and award them back-pay.

Aegis workers and allies rallying in fall of 2024. Photo: The STAND

For years, residents’ family members have shared concerns. Family have filed numerous complaints with the WA Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, charging Aegis with abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation. In 2021, Aegis paid more than $16 million to settle class action lawsuits brought against the company for violations of elder financial abuse and consumer protection laws; specifically, by deliberately understaffing facilities and leaving residents’ needs unmet.

Caregiving staff and residents’ family members say Aegis Living still refuses to address serious issues including retaliation for raising concerns, understaffing, and a lack of accountability and transparency around fees charged. These problems are so pervasive that advocates brought forward a bill in the 2025 legislative session to set standards and certification
requirements for dementia care units in assisted living facilities, a first step towards accountability and change at Aegis. That bill, SB 5337, was signed into law in April and will go into effect next year. 

In a letter supporting this legislation, loved ones of current and former Aegis residents made clear the connection between neglecting residents and stonewalling workers.

“We need change now. It’s time for Aegis Living’s CEO Dwayne Clark to come to the table with workers, address chronic understaffing, and bring Aegis’ quality of care up to par with the glossy exteriors of his facilities — and the high price tag that comes along with it.”

Workers have been fighting for a contract that addresses some of the root causes of poor conditions, namely wages so low that attracting and retaining workers is extremely difficult. The union reports that Clarks’ Aegis pays barely more than minimum wage at many facilities, despite Aegis’ yearly revenue of $200 million.

At a rally in the spring, Aegis workers were clear in their demands.

“We’re fighting for fair wages and equal pay for all staff, which will mean safer staffing and better quality of care for the residents,” said Gurnesh Chetty, a worker at Aegis Ravenna. “It’s time for Aegis management to meet us at the bargaining table.”