Workplace harassment is actually a form of discrimination. And, as a result, employees in Oregon who have experienced harassment in the workplace may be able to pursue legal options to hold their employers accountable. However, the first step is to understand what...
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Employment Law
Recent allegations show how tipped workers can face wage theft
People in Oregon’s service industry rely on tips as a major part of their income. Waiting tables and similar jobs help people earn a good wage while having time for other pursuits. Still, these workers are vulnerable to wage theft. Legislators have passed laws to put...
A breach of employment contract may be wrongful termination
Although many employment relationships are considered “at-will,” meaning that the employee or the employer can end the relationship at any time, it is against the law to end the employment for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract. If an employer...
Can I be fired for breaking a workplace rule?
Oregon employers have the right to create rules to protect the safe and efficient operation of their workplaces. In fact, there are many times where an employer arguably must create workplace policies. For example, businesses need to have policies in place to protect...
Termination for reporting a hostile work environment
Most employees have disagreed with their boss or co-workers at some point in their career or had a job that was not the right fit. A hostile workplace, however, is a specific environment where employees are subjected to severe and offensive behavior that can create an...
Addressing workplace retaliation
If you lose your job, it can be difficult under any circumstances. If your employer fires you because you engaged in a legally protected activity or because you exercised your rights, it may be retaliation. Wrongful termination Wrongful termination based on...
Can I be fired for taking time off to care for a family member?
No matter how much you enjoy your job, sometimes unexpected events, such as the illness or injury of a family member, cause you to take time off. Because sudden illnesses or injuries often come with no set timeframe for recovery, you might not know how long you will...
The impact of an inaccurate performance review
When an employee does their job well, they expect that they will be given a positive performance review and perhaps an increase in salary too. If an employee receives an inaccurate performance review, it can have significant consequences, including termination. Impact...
Is it possible for me to fight my layoff?
Although they hope it never happens to them, Portlanders probably realize that, at most companies, layoffs are part of the operation of the business. From time to time, companies may for a number of reasons choose to eliminate positions even if management does not...
What are my options if I lose my professional job?
Many Portland-area professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and accountants, will sign an employment contract when they agree to take a position. In some professions, like private education for example, the industry standard may be for an employer to have a contract...