NEWS RELEASE: Avakian praises legislature's commitment to Oregon workforce competitiveness

[Burr, Charlie]

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Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 8, 2013, 2013
CONTACT:  Charlie Burr, (971) 673-0788

Avakian praises legislature's commitment to workforce competitiveness

PORTLAND-Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian today praised the 2013 Oregon Legislature for its efforts to strengthen the state's workforce and protect Oregon workers.

"What we saw in this legislature is a bipartisan group of lawmakers willing to make smart investments in our state's competitiveness," said Commissioner Avakian. "This legislature demonstrated an ability to come together to prioritize a well-trained, highly skilled workforce. They created new protections for vulnerable workers and support for Oregon businesses so that we can a stronger, more prosperous state."

Key legislation passed this session includes:

o   Smart, targeted investment for 21st Century shop classes (SB 498)

o   Closing the intern loophole so that unpaid interns have civil rights protection in the workplace (HB 2669)

o   Creating new protections against discrimination in public places, including giving BOLI new tools to crack down on hate groups that try to intimidate the public (HB 2668)

o   Taking a meaningful step toward pay equity by studying the wage gap that hurts Oregon workers (SB 7438)


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About BOLI

The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and provide for equal access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.


Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon St., Ste. 1045
Portland, OR 97232-2180
(971) 673-0788 wk.
(503) 913-5407 cell.

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