Summary of July 2025 Labor Law Updates for Portland, Oregon
This roundup, brought to you by our Portland team at HKM Employment Attorneys, compiles key labor and employment law developments for Oregon from July 2025. It’s tailored for employees, HR professionals, and compliance leaders navigating Oregon workplace regulations.
The developments of July 2025 reflect significant progress in Oregon labor law—from increasing minimum wages and groundbreaking strike benefits to evolving nondiscrimination and employer compliance frameworks. Employers, HR teams, and compliance leaders should ensure thorough audits, policy updates, and readiness for upcoming fall changes. For tailored advice or help adjusting your practices, HKM Employment Attorneys is here to guide you.
Minimum Wage Adjustment — Legislation / Regulatory Update
Date: July 1, 2025
Summary: Effective July 1, 2025, Oregon’s minimum wages rose across all regions, tied to the Consumer Price Index. The new rates are:
- Portland Metro (urban growth boundary): $16.30/hour
- Standard (non-metro): $15.05/hour
- Non-Urban Counties: $14.05/hour
- Employers should also update minimum wage postings at worksites by July 1 to remain in compliance.
Implications: All non‑exempt workers in Oregon must be paid at least these new rates based on their work location. Employers should audit payroll systems to ensure proper application of regional wage tiers and update workplace posters accordingly. Note that exempt employees remain subject to federal salary thresholds despite minimum wage changes.
Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers — Legislation / Court Ruling
Date of Enactment: June 24, 2025 (but impact continues into July)
Summary: Governor Tina Kotek signed into law a groundbreaking bill allowing both public‑ and private‑sector striking workers in Oregon to receive unemployment benefits after two weeks on strike, capped at ten weeks total.
Implications: This positions Oregon as the first state to extend such protection to public employees. Employers—particularly public entities like school districts—must adjust budgeting and payroll systems accordingly. Communication and strike preparedness protocols should be updated to reflect this new right.
Conclusion: Looking Back on Oregon’s Labor Law Updates from July 2025
With Oregon courts continuing to strengthen employee rights concerning wrongful termination, unpaid wages, discrimination, FMLA/ADA leave, hostile work environments, and restrictive covenants, it’s essential to have counsel steeped in state and federal law. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Portland, our team—including Samuel Jackson, Krista Le Roux, Jason Rittereiser, and Jennifer Vitello—has recovered over $250 million for workers, handling ethics investigations, wage‑and‑hour claims, wrongful termination litigation and more. Recognized by Super Lawyers and dedicated to no‑fee‑unless‑we‑win representation, our Portland office brings compassionate guidance and fearless advocacy. If recent case rulings resonate with your situation, reach out to our Portland team to explore how we can help protect your workplace rights.
