In our last post, we discussed how Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) has been the subject of ongoing criticism and attempts at reform. Specifically, we explored one of the major liabilities of the system – the Money Match pension formula that has significantly raised pension costs for government employers in the state of Oregon…. Read More
Employment Blog
Here you can find the most recent employment law news and commentary on cases around the country. If you need assistance with employment law, don't hesitate to call us.
Court Rules That Spokane County Owes Retired Judge $15,000 for Unused Vacation
Every day employees throughout Washington are forced to fight to ensure that they receive the full scope of wages to which they are entitled. Unfortunately, many employers try to skirt the law and employment contracts, particularly when it comes to more confusing aspects of payment requirements, like overtime pay or back-payment for unused vacation time…. Read More
PERS Reform: Money Match Makes Pension Costs Rise to Unaffordable Heights
One of the most important issues facing the state of Oregon these days is the brokenness of its Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). In order to provide you with a holistic understanding of the situation, this post will be the first in a series discussing PERS reform. In this post, we will discuss the major… Read More
Oregon Considers Passing More Comprehensive Leave Law
Recently, we discussed a new ordinance passed by the city of Portland that guarantees all employees the right to sick leave benefits. Now it seems that the state of Oregon is following Portland’s lead and considering expanding leave benefits for employees across the state. The Oregonian recently reported that Oregon’s lawmakers are considering three separate… Read More
Portland Mayor Moves to Decertify Police Commanders' Union
As with many employees across the country, a union protects the employment rights of Portland’s police commanders. A new move by the Portland mayor to decertify the police commanders’ union, however, has many employment rights advocates worried that the city is trying to infringe on the rights of commanding officers in the city. Currently, the… Read More
Seattle Taxi Cab Example May Help Exploited Workers Nationwide
How can Seattle Taxi cab drivers help Georgia container port workers? According to an in-depth story on worker’s rights from In These Times, the past experiences of unionized cab drivers in Seattle may offer hope to those workers fighting for rights in one of the busiest ports in the country. The Problem The story explains… Read More
More Support Needed for LGBT Employees in Washington?
Both state and federal employment laws are in place to ensure workers are treated fairly. From ensuring proper wages, overtime, sick leave, and more, these laws guarantee workers a level of security in the face of unexpected life circumstances. As you might expect, legal disagreements over application of these rules often hinge not on what… Read More
Portland Teacher Claims He Was Fired for Expressing His Religious Beliefs
Questions of free speech in schools are always fraught with complications – whether it involves student protesters of the Vietnam War or teachers expressing their moral or political beliefs to their students. One Portland teacher, who claims that his job is in danger because of his vocal opposition to Planned Parenthood, has become a case… Read More
Marijuana & Employment Law — A New Frontier?
Washington made history last November when voters approved the recreational use of small amounts of marijuana for adult users. The ballot initiative which passed eight months ago makes Washington and Colorado the only places to allow such use under state law. Eighteen other states and the DIstrict of Columbia allow marijuana use for medical purposes…. Read More
New Initiative Claims to Protect Public Employees From Unions
Though unions are normally considered organizations that protect the interests of workers, two Oregonians, along with an out-of-state donor, are pushing a ballot initiative that would seek to protect employees from union membership. The Oregonianreported in late March that Washington County attorney Jill Gibson Odell – the former legislative director in the Oregon House Republican… Read More