News
WA raises workplace safety fines to catch up with national rates
The state Department of Labor & Industries will begin raising penalty amounts annually, based on inflation, in an effort to
Lizz Giordano
Multimedia journalist Lizz Giordano frequently reports on workplace safety, labor organizing and worker rights. Reach her at lizz.giordano@cascadepbs.org.
Latest work
Investigations
Washington legislature considers strengthening youth labor laws
A state rep and labor unions push for tougher regulations after Cascade PBS reported on a teen who lost both legs in a school work program.
Investigations
Tacoma ICE center company sues to block inspection records release
The GEO Group alleges the state inspected the detention facility improperly and that related photos requested by Cascade PBS could pose security risks.
Washington Legislature
WA legislative staffers approve union contracts ahead of session
Democratic staffers in the Washington state Legislature unanimously approved a two-year contract days before the start of the 2025
Investigations
Most WA nurses report getting breaks — advocates are skeptical
A new law aims to ease strain on health care staff by requiring hospital break-tracking. Some workers say the reported compliance rate seems too high.