Paid sick leave under fire in Oregon

Nine Oregon counties have successfully sued the state, claiming that the Oregon sick leave requirements, which took effect on January 1, 2016, create an unfunded mandate and therefore violate the state constitution. This means that unless the state appeals the decision, the counties who brought the lawsuit don’t have to provide paid sick leave to their employees (Linn County et al. v. Brown, Or Cir Ct, Dec. 2016).
 
Tips: We will continue to monitor the status of the Oregon paid sick leave requirement. For now, private employers must continue to comply because the court’s decision was narrowly focused on the counties. For additional information on Oregon sick leave, see our “Oregon Sick Leave Policy” or speak with your Vigilant employment attorney. This model policy on Oregon sick leave outlines different options that meet varying business needs.