January 27, 2022
Employment Alert: 
Oregon and Washington Legislative Updates for January 2022
As we start 2022 (and, unfortunately, slog into our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic), employers will want to take note of several recent significant changes to Oregon and Washington employment laws.

Below are the legislative updates covered in our January alert.

Oregon Employment Law Legislative Updates:

  • Pandemic-Related Legislative Updates:
  • Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) Changes
  • Extension of Timeline to File a BOLI Complaint Regarding Health and Safety
  • Rebuttable Presumption that Prohibited Retaliation or Discrimination has Occurred if Employee is Terminated Within 60 Days of Protected Activity
  • Temporary Exemption of Hiring/Retention Bonuses and Vaccine Incentives from Definition of “Compensation” Under Oregon’s Pay Equity Act

  • Additional Important Employment-Related Oregon Legislative Updates:
  • Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act
  • Driver’s License May Not Be Required Unless the Ability to Drive is an Essential Function of the Job or Job-Related
  • Further Limits on Noncompetition Agreements
  • New Local Taxes
  • Metro Supportive Housing Services Personal Income Tax (Portland Metro)
  • Preschool for All Personal Income Tax (Multnomah County)
  • Oregon Workers’ Benefit Fund
  • Another Minimum Wage Increase

Washington Employment Law Legislative Updates:

  • Washington's Wage Recovery Act
  • Non-Competition Enforceability Thresholds for 2022
  • Changes to the Posting Requirements for WISHA Citation and Notices
  • Paid Family Medical Leave Act Greatly Expands Definition of “Family Member”
  • Paid Family Medical Leave – New Pandemic Leave Aid
  • Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary Basis Increases

If you have any questions about any of the employment law changes or would like any assistance reviewing employee handbooks or policies for compliance, please contact any of our FWW employment attorneys.
Kelly Tilden  focuses her practice in the areas of employment law, business, and litigation. She advises clients regarding the hiring, discipline and termination of employees, compliance with state and federal civil rights, wage and hour laws, and leave laws. Kelly offers practical guidance and experienced-based insight to help employers confidently apply state and federal regulations. She has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America® 2018-2022 for Employment Law - Management.

Contact Kelly at 503.228.6044 or [email protected]
Trish Walsh focuses her practice in the areas of litigation and employment law, protecting clients' interests inside and outside the courtroom. In her employment practice, Trish drafts, audits and updates policy handbooks and provides advice on employment issues under Oregon, Washington and federal laws.

Contact Trish at 503.228.6044 or [email protected]
Kim McGair's practice emphasizes a wide range of litigation matters including employment, commercial litigation, commercial collections, personal injury defense, and real estate litigation. She is an advocate for her clients and provides them with sensible advice and strong representation to protect their interests and help them achieve their objectives as efficiently as possible. Kim was selected by her peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America® 2018-2022 for Commercial Litigation and to the Oregon Super Lawyers list 2019-2021 for Commercial Litigation.

Contact Kim at 503.228.6044 or [email protected]
Jon Himes practices in several areas including litigation, employment, and financial services, enabling him to assist clients with a full-range of legal and business challenges. His employment practice focuses on employment litigation and wage and hour laws. 
 
Contact Jon at 503.228.6044 or [email protected]
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The contents of this publication are intended for general information only and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion on specific facts and circumstances.