Oregon 2023 Regular Session

Oregon House Bill HB3505

Introduced
2/28/23  
Refer
3/3/23  

Caption

Relating to categories of employees covered under state labor relations laws.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 3505 are expected to have significant implications for labor relations in the state. By revising the definitions of employee categories, the bill could impact the applicability of various labor regulations, potentially expanding protections to include more workers who may have previously been excluded. This could lead to a more fair labor market where the rights of all employees are acknowledged and enforced, particularly benefiting those in non-traditional employment roles, such as gig workers and contractors.

Summary

House Bill 3505 seeks to redefine the categories of employees covered under state labor relations laws. The primary focus of the bill is to streamline the classifications of workers to better reflect modern employment practices and to ensure that labor laws are inclusive and equitable. Legislators supporting the bill argue that these changes are necessary to adapt to evolving workforce dynamics, ensuring that all workers are adequately represented and that their rights are protected under state law. This initiative is seen as a progressive step towards enhancing labor relations in the state.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 3505 has been largely supportive among labor advocates and progressive lawmakers who view the bill as a necessary modernization of labor laws. Supporters argue that the bill addresses gaps in the current legal framework, aligning it with contemporary workforce structures. However, there are also concerns from some business groups who fear that expanding employee categories may lead to increased regulatory burdens and liabilities for employers. Hence, while the sentiment is positive towards enhanced worker protections, there is caution regarding the potential implications for businesses.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 3505 primarily revolve around how the reclassification of employees might affect businesses' operational practices. Critics argue that the bill could introduce complexities in compliance and increase litigation risks as more employees seek to assert their rights under the expanded definitions. Additionally, discussions have emerged on how the bill might affect employer-employee negotiations and the potential for increased costs associated with benefits and compliance measures. These differing perspectives highlight a fundamental tension between the goal of protecting workers and the operational realities faced by businesses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OR HB4123

Relating to The Fire Fighter Labor Relations Act.

OR SB1894

Relating to The Fire Fighter Labor Relations Act.

OR SB957

Public Employment Relations Board: Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District: employee relations.

OR HB2697

Relating to unlawful discriminatory practices in categories covered by the Human Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act

OR HB2290

Relating to unlawful discriminatory practices in categories covered by the Human Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act

OR HB3979

Relating to labor disputes involving public employees.

OR HB2538

Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act

OR HB20

Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 This bill expands various labor protections related to employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace. Among other things, it (1) revises the definitions of employee, supervisor, and employer to broaden the scope of individuals covered by the fair labor standards; (2) permits labor organizations to encourage participation of union members in strikes initiated by employees represented by a different labor organization (i.e., secondary strikes); and (3) prohibits employers from bringing claims against unions that conduct such secondary strikes. The bill also allows collective bargaining agreements to require all employees represented by the bargaining unit to contribute fees to the labor organization for the cost of such representation, notwithstanding a state law to the contrary; and expands unfair labor practices to include prohibitions against replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who participate in strikes. The bill makes it an unfair labor practice to require or coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to discourage union membership and prohibits employers from entering into agreements with employees under which employees waive the right to pursue or a join collective or class-action litigation. The bill further prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against an employee, including employees with management responsibilities, in response to that employee participating in protected activities related to the enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair labor practices (i.e., whistleblower protections). Such protected activities include providing information about a potential violation to an enforcement agency, participating in an enforcement proceeding, initiating a proceeding concerning an alleged violation or assisting in such a proceeding, or refusing to participate in an activity the employee reasonably believes is a violation of labor laws. Finally, the bill addresses the procedures for union representation elections, provides employees with the ability to vote in such elections remotely by telephone or the internet, modifies the protections against unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm, and establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against entities that fail to comply with National Labor Relations Board orders.

OR SB916

Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for employees unemployed due to a labor dispute.

OR AB504

State and local public employees: labor relations: strikes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.