From bob.estabrook at state.or.us Thu Apr 12 10:52:09 2012 From: bob.estabrook at state.or.us (Bob Estabrook) Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:52:09 -0700 Subject: NEWS RELEASE: BOLI Reminds Oregon Business to Employ Minors Lawfully Message-ID: <4F86B3D8.919A.00CA.0@boli.state.or.us> Press Release For Immediate Distribution April 12, 2012 CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 971-673-0788 BOLI Reminds Oregon Businesses to Employ Minors Lawfully Recent ruling in case of band saw injury highlights requirements, prohibited work PORTLAND?Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian is using a recent contested case decision to remind employers that using workers under age 18 means complying with state child labor requirements, which are enforced by the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Avakian, who as BOLI Commissioner issues the final order in contested civil rights and wage and hour law cases, said the recent decision upholding a fine against Schultz Manufacturing, a motocross parts manufacturer in Oregon City, perfectly illustrates why employers should turn to BOLI for guidance first. ?Here, a kid got hurt using a band saw and child labor law says explicitly that he shouldn?t have been using that saw,? Avakian said. ?It?s very fortunate that he was not more seriously injured, and it?s a perfect example of why employers should consult with BOLI before bringing minors in to work.? Avakian pointed to BOLI?s Technical Assistance for Employers Program (TA), whose role is educating employers about the requirements of civil rights and employment laws in Oregon. Use of child labor is especially regulated, with employers required to obtain a certificate to employ minors before bringing a young person in to work. The application process allows BOLI staff to screen for working conditions that may violate state or federal law, such as the use of power-driven machinery by minors which is strictly prohibited by law. ?This injury and the fine against the employer were 100% avoidable,? Avakian noted. ?The Wage and Hour Division and BOLI?s employer assistance staff are available to answer questions and help make Oregon businesses successful, but we can?t help if the employer doesn?t call or email us.? BOLI TA offers a convenient FAQ on child labor and is currently developing a handbook on child labor specifically, which will complement the current 2012 Wage and Hour Laws Handbook and ensure that Oregon employers understand the limitations on minors in the workplace. Employers with specific questions can also consult TA by phone (971-673-0824) or email (bolita.ta at state.or.us) for more information about complying with child labor law and other wage and hour requirements. ##### The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpg Size: 7303 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 04.12.12_BOLI_Release_-_Child_Labor.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 20370 bytes Desc: not available URL: From estabrookb at boli.state.or.us Tue Apr 17 10:20:33 2012 From: estabrookb at boli.state.or.us (Estabrook, Bob) Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:20:33 +0000 Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Oregon Taking the Lead in Tackling Pay Equity Message-ID: <050F2D1BA8177F4B927C6F3AC041EF82B2D155@D5DAG1B.D5.USA.NET> [Description: Description: C:\Users\BOLI\Desktop\BOLI-OCCR Header.png] Press Release For Immediate Distribution April 17, 2012 CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730 Oregon Taking the Lead in Tackling Pay Equity Annual Equal Pay Day marks how long women's wages take to catch up to men's PORTLAND-As the nation observes Equal Pay Day, the annual recognition of the 23% gender gap in wages between men and women, Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian and the Oregon Council on Civil Rights (OCCR) are getting ready to take action and eliminate the wage gap in Oregon. The lingering issue of the gender gap is exacerbated by data showing that African-American and Latina women face an even greater gap: almost 50% between Latina women and white men. "Congress passed an Equal Pay Act in 1963, and the wage gap has closed about half-a-cent per year," Avakian said. "Oregon isn't going to wait another 50 years to see equal pay for equal work. And we aren't going to ignore the reality that racial disparity is part of the problem and should be addressed to combat all forms of pay disparity." OCCR, first created by Avakian in 2009, brings together advocates and community leaders of diverse backgrounds to address civil rights challenges with a cooperative, statewide focus. The council has already begun to take specific steps on addressing pay disparity, such as joining a coalition of sponsors for legislation in 2011 that would have strengthened Oregon's equal pay law by applying it to all protected classes, not just gender. "We want to attack the roots of pay disparity in very targeted ways," said Dawn Holt, OCCR co-chair. "The action plan that we develop should be a blueprint for other states to tackle this lingering injustice, not just in terms of new enforcement powers but through pro-active, cooperative work with Oregon employers to craft lasting solutions." "Equal pay for equal work is a principle that Oregonians believe in and want to see realized," Avakian added. "We can take real steps forward, in collaboration with Oregon's business community, to ultimately close all of the wage gaps in our state." Meetings of OCCR are open to the public and notices are posted on the state's public meetings calendar. The council also plans to hold field hearings in the coming months to learn from and be responsive to Oregonians' real-life experiences with pay disparity. ##### The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 33644 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 04.17.12_Joint_Release_-_Equal_Pay.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 49270 bytes Desc: 04.17.12_Joint_Release_-_Equal_Pay.pdf URL: From bob.estabrook at state.or.us Thu Apr 26 10:42:21 2012 From: bob.estabrook at state.or.us (Estabrook Bob) Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:42:21 +0000 Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Avakian Receives Equality Advocate Award Message-ID: <050F2D1BA8177F4B927C6F3AC041EF82B311F5@D5DAG1B.D5.USA.NET> [Description: BOLI_logo_blackBIT] Commissioner Brad Avakian Bureau of Labor & Industries Press Release For Immediate Distribution April 26, 2012 CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730 Avakian Receives Equality Advocate Award Basic Rights Oregon recognizes Commissioner's leadership in fighting discrimination PORTLAND-Basic Rights Oregon (BRO), the state's leading advocacy organization for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community, has honored Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian with their 2012 Equality Advocate Award. Receiving the award at a luncheon with community and business leaders, Avakian thanked BRO not just for the award, but for being an important partner in recent victories for equal rights in Oregon. "I'm just one oar in the water, pulling against currents that have often pushed against us," Avakian said. "Our successes are a product of the many additional oars digging into the water from BRO, our many friends in the business community, and the committed individuals who row tirelessly toward an Oregon that not only protects the rights of all, but values their contributions and participation as well." During the landmark 2007 legislative session, then-Senator Avakian championed Senate Bill 2, which established protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. Avakian was also instrumental in passing House Bill 2007, which established domestic partnership rights that help protect Oregon families from unequal treatment. As Commissioner of Labor and Industries and head of the state's Civil Rights Division, Avakian is now the chief enforcer of the anti-discrimination law he helped to create. "I appreciate this award, and the recognition of the really important strides we have made in protecting all Oregonians' rights under the law," Avakian continued. "But we should not rest until marriage equality is a reality for all Oregonians. And I look forward to standing strong with you every step of the way until we get there." Oregonians who believe that their right to be free from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodations may have been violated are encouraged to contact the state Civil Rights Division by phone (971-673-0764) or email (crdemail.boli at state.or.us). ##### The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 11418 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 04.26.12_BOLI_Release_-_BRO_Award.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 28529 bytes Desc: 04.26.12_BOLI_Release_-_BRO_Award.pdf URL: From bob.estabrook at state.or.us Fri Apr 27 11:06:32 2012 From: bob.estabrook at state.or.us (Estabrook Bob) Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:06:32 +0000 Subject: NEWS RELEASE: Avakian Applauds Withdrawal of Proposed Agriculture Rules Message-ID: <050F2D1BA8177F4B927C6F3AC041EF82B31E9A@D5DAG1B.D5.USA.NET> [Description: BOLI_logo_blackBIT] Commissioner Brad Avakian Bureau of Labor & Industries Press Release For Immediate Distribution April 27, 2012 CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730 Avakian Applauds Withdrawal of Proposed Agriculture Rules U.S. Department of Labor bows to pressure from public, Oregon's Labor Commissioner PORTLAND- The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) is abandoning proposed rules limiting the opportunities of workers under 16 in agricultural settings, a proposal which was strongly questioned by the agricultural community and Oregon's Labor and Industries Commissioner, Brad Avakian. In a March 5 letter to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and comments published in Capital Press, Avakian pushed back on the need for rule changes, citing Oregon's strong safety record for youth in agriculture and the importance of preserving both a traditional Oregon industry and job opportunities for young people. On the announcement of the withdrawal of the proposed rules, Avakian made the following statement: "USDOL made exactly the right decision here, jettisoning a rules proposal that would unnecessarily hurt Oregon's economy and young workers and instead focusing on expanding the educational programs, like Oregon's excellent FFA, 4-H and Voc Ag programs, that have helped make our state so successful by training young people in safety and job skills. Oregon successfully balances safety and opportunity through good cooperation between the agricultural industry and the smart enforcement efforts of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, and I hope that we can serve as an example to other states and USDOL. "Our commitment to education is certainly a key part of our success, and an aspect that I hope will be reenergized in our communities as we begin to roll out career and technical education revitalization grants next week." Avakian championed restoration of hands-on learning and career exploration in Oregon public schools, winning creation of a $2 million grant fund in 2011. The inaugural round of grant awards will be announced Monday, funding programs from information technology to agricultural science to visual art design involving 21 Oregon schools. ###### The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 11418 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 04.27.12_BOLI_Release_-_Ag_Rules_Win.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 29548 bytes Desc: 04.27.12_BOLI_Release_-_Ag_Rules_Win.pdf URL: From bob.estabrook at state.or.us Mon Apr 30 13:55:05 2012 From: bob.estabrook at state.or.us (Estabrook Bob) Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:55:05 +0000 Subject: NEWS RELEASE: 21 Schools Win 21st Century Job Education Grants Message-ID: <050F2D1BA8177F4B927C6F3AC041EF82B32942@D5DAG1B.D5.USA.NET> Press Release For Immediate Distribution April 30, 2012 CONTACTS: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730; Crystal Greene, 503-947-5650 21 Schools Win 21st Century Job Education Grants First awards from new grant fund to impact 21 schools from Eugene to Enterprise PORTLAND- Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian and State Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo today announced the first recipients of grant awards to re-establish hands-on learning and job skills training programs in Oregon middle and high schools. Eight grant awards will benefit 21 schools that will launch or expand vocational education programs featuring skills training and career exploration in a variety of fields, including agricultural science, industrial automation, marketing, engineering, building and construction trades and visual art design. "Access to 21st Century shop classes is the key to 21st Century economic competitiveness," Avakian said. "Every sector of our economy benefits from young workers with hands-on experience and job skills, and that is shown in the wide range of industries that stepped forward to offer community support and matching funds for these opportunities to connect Oregon's future workforce with their interests and talents at a younger age." Last year, the Oregon legislature dedicated $2 million to revitalizing career and technical education programs in Oregon schools, building opportunities for students to access high-wage, high-demand jobs much earlier in their careers. "These grants provide an invaluable opportunity for students to explore possible future careers through high-quality, hands-on career and technical education," Castillo said. "These programs play a critical role in connecting classroom learning with real-world application and will help our schools graduate students ready to compete and succeed in the 21st Century workplace." The breadth and depth of support for the revitalization of hands-on learning and job skills training in public schools is great in communities around Oregon: forty-three proposals were eligible for grant awards, totaling more than $11 million in requests for support. Just the eight grants awarded leverage a total of $796,993 in matching funds from the community and business partners. "These grants are a crucial investment in our schools and our economy," said Rep. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), a leading advocate for applied learning and career education. "Kids in CTE programs graduate at much higher rates than their peers, and they are more successful in college and in the workplace. This is an investment that will pay off for our communities and for our employers." The Bureau of Labor and Industries and Oregon Department of Education jointly administer the Career and Technical Education Revitalization Grant Fund to support restoration and expansion of high-quality career and technical education options to all Oregon middle and high schools. When the legislature convenes in 2013, advocates will be asking for a larger investment in the grant fund to energize programs in even more schools around the state, with an ultimate goal of ensuring all Oregon students have access to high-quality hands-on learning options. "This first step is huge, and we're looking forward to taking many more," said Dave Baker, Training Director at the Central Electrical Training Center in Tangent and a community partner in the Linn County Regional Trades Academy program that is being funded. "Every student should have the opportunity to gain job skills and explore career options before they graduate." A summary of the grant proposals that are being funded in this inaugural award cycle is available at www.oregon.gov/BOLI/docs/CTE_Grant_Recipients.pdf. ###### -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 04.30.12_Joint_Release_-_Grant_Awards.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 115690 bytes Desc: 04.30.12_Joint_Release_-_Grant_Awards.pdf URL: