BOLI offices will be closed on Friday, May 25, for another mandatory statewide furlough day. This closure, requiring all BOLI staff to take unpaid time off, will contribute to an estimated $2 million in total, closure-related savings for state government for the day.
Note that BOLI offices will also be closed Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day. All offices will re-open on Tuesday, May 29, and we look forward to assisting you at that time. Thank you for your patience!
New guide details lawful employment of minors in various industries
BOLI TA's newest employer manual is now available to help Oregon employers ensure that they utilize minors appropriately in the workplace. From prohibited occupations to specific limitations on hours and mandatory rest periods, the new Child Labor Laws handbook brings together in one place all of the information that Oregon employers need to comply with state and federal regulations on employing minors.
With the summer work season just around the corner, there is no reason to wait--
Handbook on Policy Writing Guidelines Now Available
Newly revised for 2012!
The Technical Assistance for Employers Program has released another new resource to help Oregon employers and support their success. This convenient reference manual can help employers to avoid claims of discrimination or creating unintended "contracts" and promote fair and consistent personnel decisions that are made more efficiently and backed with well-crafted written policies.
Policy Writing Guidelines is a concise guide to crafting clear, effective policies that communicate your practices and help you prevent unnecessary legal claims. The text includes dozens of sample policies and answers to frequently asked questions. Every Oregon employer should have at least one copy on hand, so order yours today.
A Message from State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian
Full steam ahead in revitalizing Oregon's workforce
Hands-on learning and 21st Century shop classes remain a key focus with just a couple of weeks til awards will be announced from the state's new career and technical education grant fund. Plus, a new contract opportunity to support recruitment and retention in the highway construction trades, an update on firefighter overtime pay, and news of a US Supreme Court decision limiting workers rights under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.
BOLI is warning Oregonians to beware of any solicitations from businesses that sell required postings for profit. Employers need to know that all legally required postings are available for free from the issuing agency.
BOLI's Technical Assistance for Employers Program (TA) also sells composite posters, specialized for small employers, large employers and agricultural employers, which organize the commonly required postings on a single large, convenient sheet, for just $10-$15--about a quarter of what for-profit companies charge.
Victims of criminal harassment added to list of protected workers
In Oregon workplaces, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, and now also victims of criminal harassment, have certain rights that all employers must respect. BOLI has a webpage describing these rights, as well as links to other helpful resources for victims.
BOLI's mission is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.
BOLI's four principal duties are to: 1) protect the rights of workers and citizens to equal, non-discriminatory treatment through the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws that apply to workplaces, housing and public accommodations; 2) encourage and enforce compliance with state laws relating to wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment; 3) educate and train employers to understand and comply with both wage and hour and civil rights law; and 4) promote the development of a highly skilled, competitive workforce in Oregon through apprenticeship programs and through partnerships with government, labor, business, and educational institutions.
BOLI and Commissioner Avakian oversee several critical committees dealing with workforce development, civil rights, and prevailing wage rate law.
The Oregon Council on Civil Rights (OCCR) advises the Commissioner and other government agencies regarding civil rights issues and advocates for better education about, and enforcement of, civil rights in Oregon.
The Civil Rights Division (CRD) protects all Oregonians from unlawful discrimination, investigating allegations of civil rights violations in workplaces, career schools, housing and public accommodations. Visit CRD for more information.
BOLI's Technical Assistance for Employers Program (TA) provides a variety of employer services including: public seminars around the state; customized, on-site trainings; employment law manuals and publications; and an assistance hotline that responds to questions from employers via phone and email. Visit TA for more information about BOLI services for employers.
The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) defends Oregonians' rights in the workplace, enforcing laws related to minimum wage, overtime, terms and conditions of employment and prevailing wage rates on public works projects. WHD can help workers recover wages owed by an employer--visit WHD's page for more information.
Apprenticeship is occupational skill training that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. A partnership of employers, workers, the State of Oregon, and a variety of schools and community colleges, apprenticeship trains workers to meet industry standards for a given occupation. Visit the Apprenticeship and Training Division to learn more about apprenticeship programs and opportunities.
New guide details lawful employment of minors in various industries
Newly revised for 2012!
Full steam ahead in revitalizing Oregon's workforce
Victims of criminal harassment added to list of protected workers
