NEWS RELEASE: Avakian praises legislature’s effort to modernize protections for working parents

[Burr, Charlie]

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For Immediate Release
June 10, 2015
CONTACT:  Charlie Burr, (971) 673-0788

Avakian praises legislature’s effort to modernize protections for working parents
Paid sick days bill will strengthen Oregon’s workforce, says Commissioner Avakian

PORTLAND—Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian today praised the Oregon Legislature for its passage of statewide sick days legislation (SB 454).

"Paid sick days legislation represents a significant step forward in the effort to modernize workplaces and strengthen the health of tens of thousands of workers around the state. That’s good for working parents and the vast majority of low-wage workers who do not have access to any paid sick days on the job.”

The Oregon Council on Civil Rights, whose 2014 report Pay Inequality in Oregon<http://www.oregon.gov/boli/docs/Pay%20Inequality%20Oregon%20012314-Final.pdf> called for statewide sick days legislation, issued a statement applauding the bill’s passage.

“Congress has debated this issue for more than a decade, but with today’s vote, it’s Oregon that’s getting it done. We greatly appreciate the legislative leaders and advocates who fought to make this a reality. This is important legislation that will help put women and people of color on stronger economic footing.”

Last week, the Oregon Legislature also passed the Oregon Paycheck Fairness Act (HB 2007), another measure called for in the Oregon Council on Civil Rights’ report on the wage gap between women, people of color and their male counterparts. The measure protects workers from retaliation for discussing salaries – removing a significant barrier to determining whether potential pay discrimination exists.


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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
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 1045
Portland, Oregon  97232
Tel:  971-673-0788
Cell: 503-913-5407

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