Oregon Employment Laws
- At-Will Employment Policy
- Employee Rights
- Overtime and Minimum Wage
Oregon, like most US states, subscribes to the “employment-at-will” policy. Employers can terminate employees without reason. Employees are free to leave a job for any reason with no legal repercussions. Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate. Employers must provide a final paycheck, including all wages and benefits, to every terminated employee. Oregon law provides a $1,000 civil penalty for willful failure to pay wages at termination as well as costs, interest and attorney fees. The standard type of employment is “at will.”
Oregon does not have any laws addressing when or how an employer may reduce an employee’s wages or whether an employer must provide employees notice prior to instituting a wage reduction. If you get fired, your employer must pay you all wages owed by the end of the first business day after you were fired. In Oregon, employees work at will. An employee can generally be fired at any time and for any reason, or for no reason at all. But there are some exceptions to the at-will rule.
Common Questions Related to Oregon Employment
- Firing Without Cause in Oregon
- At-Will Employment Laws
- Unemployment and Termination
- Unfair Termination and Wrongful Termination
Oregon is an “at will” state. However, exceptions exist including laws prohibiting discrimination, wrongful termination, and retaliation. These make it illegal to discriminate based on protected classes like age, disability, gender/sex, race or religion. Wrongful discharge can be based on retaliation. Employers cannot terminate employment because an employee engaged in legally protected activities.
Examples of Wrongful Termination
- Instances in Oregon
- Legal Criteria for Wrongful Termination
In Oregon, there are many instances where wrongful termination can occur. Employers may be ignorant of labor laws and err. Corporations rely on HR experts. You should consult an attorney if terminated wrongly. Despite at-will employment limitations exist. At-will doesn’t allow firing for discrimination. State, federal, and local laws prohibit discriminatory reasons.
Legal Options After Wrongful Termination
- Defending Yourself
- Consulting an Attorney
This article will teach more about wrongful termination and what you can do to defend yourself. If the above or our outlined wrongful termination examples seem similar to your situation, you may have a case. Speaking to a Los Angeles attorney today is the best way to determine whether you have a case.