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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Bill protecting workers from retaliation heads to governor

A sign at Salud Medical Center in Woodburn on Wednesday, April 29. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) 

The Oregon Legislature passed a bill Monday that proponents say will protect workers that raise safety concerns at work. 

THE ISSUE: Labor groups say it’s too easy for employers to retaliate against workers who raise concerns or file safety complaints. 

THE BILL: Senate Bill 483 

WHAT IT DOES: Creates a legal presumption that an employer has retaliated if they take an adverse action against a worker (changing scheduling, cutting pay, etc.) within 60 days of them filing a safety complaint or other protected action. 

WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: Proponents say frontline workers have faced dangerous conditions during the pandemic, exposing shortcomings in worker protections. The legislation was opposed by business groups, who argued it can be abused and will unduly burden employers.   

HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED: 

The bill passed the Oregon House on June 7 on a 36-20 vote.

State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Yes

State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Yes

State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: Yes

State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: No

State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: No

State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused

State Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: No

The bill passed the Oregon Senate on April 14 on an 18-12 vote. 

Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: No

Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes

Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: No

Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes 

Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Excused

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill now goes to the governor for her approval. 

-Jake Thomas