NEWS RELEASE: New live entertainment hotline provides information on workplace protections, resources

[Burr, Charlie]

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For Immediate Release
February 3, 2016
CONTACT:           Charlie Burr, BOLI, (971) 673-0788

BOLI: New live entertainment hotline provides information on workplace protections, resources
Live entertainment venues under 600 seats must post free hotline notification poster

PORTLAND, OR-A new hotline for live entertainment workers is providing information about retaliation, sex discrimination, harassment, unlawful wage practices and a host of other workplace protections.

As of January 1, live entertainment venues and facilities are required to prominently display a poster for live entertainers so that workers will know about their rights and the new hotline. Employers can download a free poster online<http://www.oregon.gov/boli/SiteAssets/Lists/FeaturedContent/NewForm/RIGHTS%20OF%20INDEPENDENT%20CONTRACTORS%20AND%20EMPLOYEES%20PERFORMING%20LIVE%20ENTERTAINMENT%20(Final).pdf>. The posting requirement applies to all live entertainment venues with 600 or fewer seats.

"Our hope is that the hotline will help workers understand their rights and the resources available to them," said Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. "Although each case is different, the goal is to provide live entertainment workers access to accurate, unbiased information so that they can assess the workplace protections available to them."

Callers to the toll-free hotline (1-844-304-2654) may request confidentiality.

The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) created the hotline as a "one stop" shop for workplace protection information after a coalition of exotic dancers, the American Federation of Musicians and the Oregon Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers successfully advocated for HB 3059<https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2015R1/Measures/Overview/HB3059> during the 2015 Oregon Legislative Session. Oregon is the first state to develop such a resource to field inquiries and complaints related to employment in this industry.

BOLI enforces both the state's wage and hour laws - including minimum wage and meal and rest period requirements - and civil rights protections, including enforcement of anti-retaliation and harassment laws.

The agency currently has an active civil rights investigation into whether Stars Cabaret in Beaverton engaged in unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment of a minor.

Any workers seeking to file a complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or harassment can contact the Civil Rights Division at crdemail at boli.state.or.us<mailto:crdemail at boli.state.or.us> or by calling (971) 673-0764.

Visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI<http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI> for more information about all of BOLI's work to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.

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Charlie Burr
Communications Director
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 1045
Portland, Oregon  97232
Tel:  971-673-0788
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