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.
$2 million available to Oregon schools for hands-on learning
BOLI is partnering with the Oregon Department of Education to administer the state's brand new $2 million grant fund to support career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle and schools around the state. Establishing the grant fund is a cornerstone of Commissioner Avakian's plan to ensure that every Oregon student has access to high-quality CTE options that teach emerging or in-demand job skills.
Proposals for grant funding are due to the Dept. of Ed's office in Salem by February 10th.
A Message from State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian
On the eve of another great year
The BOLI Business Awards have been issued, new laws are taking effect, charges have been issued against Typhoon Resturants and BOLI is just getting set for the New Year. Read more about the latest news from BOLI, as well as the Commissioner's take on some of the major developments in labor and employment law in 2011.
Call for interest in Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee
PWAC management vacancies to be filled by Labor Commissioner appointments
Commissioner Avakian is seeking statements of interest from potential appointees to Oregon's Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee (PWAC). PWAC was created by legislative action in 2003, with the Commissioner of Labor and Industries appointing representatives from management and labor in the building and construction industry who perform work on public works contracts, as well as interested public individuals. The committee is charged with advising the Commissioner on matters relating to prevailing wage rate law.
Commissioner Avakian is looking to appoint two new management (including public employer) representatives to the committee along with one new labor representative. Interested parties should provide a letter describing their background and interest in prevailing wage via mail to BOLI's Portland headquarters (Attn: Christie Hammond).
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.
All state agencies' public meetings now on Oregon Transparency Website
As of January 1st, all Oregon state agencies will post notice of public meetings on a single webpage that media and interested citizens can access easily. Look for meetings of the Oregon Council on Civil Rights and the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council to appear on this calendar as they approach, and check out other public meetings that may be of interest.
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.
$2 million available to Oregon schools for hands-on learning
On the eve of another great year
PWAC management vacancies to be filled by Labor Commissioner appointments
Victims of criminal harassment added to list of protected workers
All state agencies' public meetings now on Oregon Transparency Website
