More than two dozen first responders are suing health care providers in Plentywood for what they claim are unlawful employment practices, an allegation that both health care facilities have asked the court to dismiss.

The group of emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics and ambulance drivers says that Billings Clinic and Sheridan Memorial Hospital Association illegally classify them as exempt from overtime requirements and have failed to properly compensate ambulance personnel and paramedics.

Adrienne Tranel, the Missoula-based lawyer who represents the plaintiffs, filed the lawsuit in July in U.S. District Court in Great Falls. Both health care facilities subsequently this month filed motions to dismiss the case. Tranel is the sister of former congressional candidate Monica Tran

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