Free Newsletter
Are your independent contractors really independent contractors?
Employers that hire independent contractors must be extra cautious to ensure that these workers are classified correctly, because federal and state governments have signaled their intent to more seriously investigate […]
Supreme Court rules on texting, sexting at work
Before the U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its latest term in June, it unanimously held that an employer’s search of a worker’s text messages was reasonable and did not violate […]
The hidden landmines of summer internships
It’s finally June, which means it’s time for companies to take on student interns, typically high school or college students, to perform a variety of tasks. In most instances, these […]
Oregon employers claim victory in medical marijuana battle
Last month in this column, I reviewed Oregon’s law on medical marijuana in the workplace, describing the confusion and uncertainty that surrounded the law. Shortly thereafter, the Oregon Supreme Court […]
Employees with medical marijuana
One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “We have an employee with a medical marijuana card; what do we do?” Employers often are unsure about their […]
No more employee credit checks
Effective July 1, most Oregon businesses will no longer be able to review applicants’ credit history before deciding whether to hire them. The Oregon Legislature last month passed a new […]
Minimize the risk of workplace violence
Early this year, two workplace shootings grabbed national headlines. On Jan. 7, an employee at a St. Louis transformer manufacturing plant killed three of his co-workers and injured five others […]
For employers, how to avoid lawsuits
Many employers get caught up in the rush to hire new employees and fail to take basic steps in the hiring process. Employers should be patient and use available screening tools. They should use an employment application form with legal disclaimers such as: employment is "at will," and no one can change that status except in writing; the employee is subject to drug testing at any time; and statemen[...]
Time to prepare for a new civil rights law
On Nov. 21, employers will be required to comply with yet another federal law that restricts disclosure of employee health information. Specifically, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 will […]
FAQs about swine flu in the workplace
A year ago at this time, it seemed that every other phone call or e-mail I received from a client was a question about layoffs and downsizing. This fall, the […]
Many illegal drug users are working
Did you know that 75 percent of the nation’s illegal drug users are employed, and more than 3 percent have actually admitted using drugs before or during work hours? Plus, […]
New workplace worry: 鈥榯extual harassment鈥�
Text messaging in the workplace has become an increasing source of concern for employers. Much like the emergence of e-mail in the 1990s, the popularity of text messaging among employees […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
