As a young Eagle Scout, Brad Avakian learned that hard work and commitment could lead to positive changes in the lives of others, principles that have guided him throughout his life. These principles have led him to stand up for worker's rights as a civil rights attorney and to advocate for our children and our environment as a state legislator. As Oregon's Labor Commissioner, Avakian has pledged to take the fight for working families to the next level by promoting workforce development and apprenticeship training.

BOLI's mission is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.

The four principle duties of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) 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, 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 the apprenticeship program 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 State Apprenticeship and Training Council manages apprenticeship committees, programs, and policies and to approve apprenticeship committee members.

The Prevailing Wage Advisory Committee works to advise the Commissioner on issues related to the application of prevailing wage rate law.

The Expression of Milk in the Workplace Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner on issues related to the application of the expression of breast milk in the workplace law.

BOLI's Technical Assistance for Employers (TA) Unit provides a variety of employer services including training seminars, employment law manuals and publications, and a telephone assistance hotline that responds to questions from employers via phone and email. Visit TA for more information about BOLI services for employers.

BOLI works to enforce the rights of Oregonians in the workplace and in accommodations. The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) works to protect an employee's rights in the workplace and recover wages that may be owed to employees by an employer. Visit the WHD for more information.

The Civil Rights Division (CRD) works to protect Oregon workers and citizens from discrimination and investigates allegations of discrimination in both the workplace and accommodations. Visit the CRD 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.