The Stoel Rives Labor & Employment Law Blog
In a predictable shift toward employer-friendly standards, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) has reinstated a standard that gives employers greater latitude in determining whether an employee’s abusive conduct during union or other protected activity loses legal protection under the National Labor Relations Act (the “Act”).
This is the first of what is expected to…
On August 26, 2026, General Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) Crystal S. Carey issued Memorandum GC 26-04, signaling that many of the employee-friendly precedents adopted during the Biden years are squarely in the crosshairs.
While a GC memo does not change the law, it is a reliable indicator for where Board doctrine…
For Washington employers, meal and rest break class actions continue to be one of the most active areas of wage and hour litigation. Despite years of litigation and recurring lawsuits challenging break practices across industries, there has been little indication that the Washington Legislature intends to revisit or modernize the state’s meal and rest break framework. As a result, employers remain subject to a regulatory scheme that is both highly technical and frequently litigated, creating ongoing exposure for large employers with hourly, non-exempt workforces.…
Two new Idaho laws may affect businesses’ relationships with independent contractors and their management of public-facing restrooms. Employers should review existing policies and practices to determine whether updates are needed.
Independent Contractor Benefits
Effective July 1, 2026, Idaho’s new Portable Benefit Plan Act establishes a voluntary framework that allows businesses to contribute to portable benefit…
As they prepare for July payroll, employers should keep in mind that increased minimum wage rates take effect July 1, 2026. These increases continue Oregon’s system of geographically tiered wages adjusted annually for inflation.
Oregon maintains a three-tier minimum wage structure based on where employees perform their work (as opposed to where the company is…
An unexpected visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be disruptive and stressful. Employers who prepare in advance—and respond carefully—can protect their businesses, avoid unnecessary liability, and maintain order during a difficult situation.
ICE has raised the stakes for I-9 audits. New rules have changed some technical violations of Form I-9 to substantive violations. …
UPDATE AS OF 3/24/2026: This week, Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 1155 into law, effectively banning workplace noncompete agreements and redefining permissible nonsolicitation agreements. The law takes effect on June 30, 2027. While its effective date is more than a year away, employers should begin preparing to adjust their policies and procedures accordingly. Once effective…
Oregon’s 2026 short legislative session is underway, and a few proposed bills could affect employers of all shapes and sizes. Although short sessions move quickly, they often include important policy changes, particularly in the labor and employment space. Below is an overview of three bills that Oregon employers should monitor closely.
California’s leave and benefits landscape continues to expand with revised paid sick leave rules, upcoming changes to paid family leave, and broader personnel file access requirements. Employers must understand these changes to avoid disputes and maintain compliant practices.
Here is what you need to know.
Paid Sick Leave Expansion
California’s paid sick leave law now…
Through new legislation and shifting enforcement priorities, California continues to challenge common workplace practices, including collectible wage judgments and binding employment agreements. Employers must understand how new rules on wage judgment penalties, stay-or-pay provisions, and arbitration agreements affect risk and strategy.
Below is what employers need to know for 2026.
Wage Judgment Enforcement Is Getting…
