It’s been more than three months since we published our first story about union-busting and poor labor conditions at Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho (PPGWNI). PPGWNI leadership has been staying quiet and laying low: they’ve refused to comment publicly on their union-busting contract or allegations of poor workplace conditions.
In the last three months, RANGE has heard from more than a dozen current and former staffers who we didn’t originally talk to, but who saw their experiences reflected in the article and chose to reach out. We’ve heard from employees involved in the unionization efforts that interest in unionization has gone up, even among staff who had previously been skeptical about whether unionization was a good idea. We’ve also heard from donors who said that repeated calls to PPGWNI leadership seeking answers about union-busting and work conditions have gone unanswered.
Our ongoing reporting revealed a long history of toxic workplace allegations, including a discrimination lawsuit against CEO Karl Eastlund won by a former staffer in 2012; in-depth analysis of Eastlund’s large executive compensation package, frustration from some of PPGWNI’s biggest donors (one of whom just wrote the organization out of her will); and details about a recent merger between PPGWNI and the only other non-unionized Planned Parenthood affiliate in Washington, which could spell trouble for the fledgling unionization efforts.
So, without further ado, here’s nearly everything we’ve learned and verified since December 19, 2024.
Because this is a long one, you can listen to it as a podcast as well!
