Current Oregon law grants two important rights to manufacturing employees: (1) they are entitled to overtime pay if they work more than 10 hours in a single work day (and can never work more than 13 hours in a day); and (2) they may not work more than 55 hours in a workweek unless they provide their written consent to work up to a maximum of 60 hours.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (“BOLI”) has adopted a new emergency rule that allows manufacturing employers to seek a partial exemption from these requirements as described below.

Under BOLI’s new rule, employers engaged in manufacturing products that “reasonably result in the preservation of life and property” during the coronavirus pandemic may seek the exemption.  (BOLI has also issued a FAQ to help employers determine whether they are making such products, among other guidance.)

Here is what BOLI had to say about what kinds of manufactured product will support the exemption:

“Manufacturers that are part of the supply chain for food or medical equipment and have seen increased demand during the pandemic are great examples. For example, garment factories producing medical personal protective equipment (PPE), scrubs, or gowns may be included, whereas a regular clothing manufacturer may not.”…
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