Oregon House OKs bill to boost protection for janitorial workers

Janitorial subcontractors in Oregon will receive additional protections from wage theft and sexual assault following the passage of House Bill 3279 Saturday by the Oregon House of Representatives. The legislation seeks to increase accountability for employers and transparency for employees.

HB 3279 creates a new category of labor contractor for licensing by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries and requires additional training for managers, supervisors and employees.

Rep. Ann Lininger (D-Lake Oswego) was a chief co-sponsor of the legislation. She said too many of these workers are faced daily with dangerous work conditions and little support or recourse.

“Through the committee process we heard heartbreaking stories from janitorial workers who had been sexually assaulted and others who had been taken advantage of,” Rep. Lininger said. “This legislation represents months of work from a variety of stakeholders. I am proud that we are able to support these workers.”

Under existing state law, labor contractors may not provide services without a license issued by BOLI. This legislation adds the additional category of property service contractors which provide janitorial services and provides BOLI with rulemaking authority and directs training on prevention, harassment, assault and discrimination in the workplace.

Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland) was a co-chief sponsor of the legislation with Rep. Lininger and Sen. James Manning (D-Eugene).

“This legislation looks out for some of the hardest working and often overlooked Oregonians,” Rep. Sanchez said. “This bill is an important step to ensuring a safe work environment.”

Additional sponsors on the legislation include Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon (D-Woodburn), Rep. Jeff Barker (D-Aloha), Rep. Chris Gorsek (D-Troutdale), Rep. Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland), Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer (D-Portland), Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), Rep. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene).

House Bill 3279 adds to legislation passed by House Democrats this session “protecting working Oregonians, including overtime rules, fair work week and pay equity,” the

The legislation, which passed 43 to 12, now goes to the Senate for consideration.