Atlanta, Georgia — A healthcare staffing company owned by Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson’s business empire has agreed to a $3 million settlement with thousands of immigrant nurses who alleged they were underpaid and trapped in restrictive employment contracts.
Avant Healthcare Professionals, acquired by Jackson Healthcare in 2018, reached the agreement June 22 after nurses accused the company of using “stay-or-pay” provisions requiring substantial payments if they left before completing their contracts. The lawsuit also alleged workers were threatened with reports to immigration authorities. Avant denied wrongdoing.
A judge approved the settlement in July, covering 5,219 current and former workers. Most individual cash payments are expected to be about $500 or less, while Avant also agreed to waive certain unpaid contractual damages and fees.
The case has drawn political attention because Jackson campaigns on strict enforcement against illegal immigration while his healthcare businesses recruit thousands of foreign workers through legal immigration programs. His campaign says there is no contradiction.
“Avant nurses come to America legally,” spokesperson Garrison Douglas said, adding that they “pay taxes and save lives.”
Jackson Healthcare has extensive ties to Georgia government. State agencies have paid its subsidiaries nearly $1 billion since 2020, largely for healthcare staffing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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