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Religion, holidays and the workplace
December is the month when most religious discrimination claims originate, so employers should prepare for the holiday season carefully. Fast fact: Religion-related claims are the fastest-growing charges filed with the […]
For terminations, timing is everything
The following appeared in the Salem Statesman Journal on Oct. 4: “A 33-year-old Silverton man allegedly set fire to his supervisor’s 1987 Ford Thunderbird early Saturday morning after learning he […]
Talking politics at work: Where can employers draw the line?
As the November election approaches, so too does the unavoidable political discourse. Invariably, the discussion reaches the water cooler, creating a politically charged environment potentially rife with disruption. Most people […]
5 ways to keep employees happy (in time for Labor Day)
Labor Day typically marks the traditional end of summer, but it should also be a time for employers to reassess the state of labor relations within the workplace. After all, […]
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[...]
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
