Week of April 28 - May 2

AOI Employment Practices Committee Sets Preliminary Agenda

The AOI Employment Practices Steering Committee completed its review of public policy positions and began work on establishing a preliminary legislative agenda on employment-related issues.  The steering committee, which represents over 20 Oregon employers, came to a unanimous conclusion on the most pressing workplace issues being debated in the Oregon Legislature. 

• Medical Marijuana - The committee supports legislation that would relieve Oregon employers from having to accommodate medical marijuana in the workplace. 
• Workers’ Compensation - Current definitions of attending physician and strengthening of the Managed Care structure should be supported.  The committee also supports the MLAC process of vetting all workers’ compensation related legislation. 
• Family Leave - The committee strongly opposes paid family leave benefits paid for by taxes on employees and potential taxes on employers. 
• Wage and hour - Mandated daily overtime pay requirements eliminate workplace flexibility and should be opposed. 
• Card Check - The committee supports the right of employees to decide whether or not they want to collectively bargain through a federally-supervised secret ballot election.  Efforts to undermine this process through a “card check” system should be opposed.    

 The Steering Committee members also expressed a desire to address other pressing issues, such as Oregon’s punitive penalty wage law. This committee will continue to meet through the fall and submit its work to the AOI Board of Directors for approval prior to the 2009 legislative session. 

Governor's Top Climate GHG Advisor to Meet with AOI Air and Energy Committee to Discuss Cap & Trade et al.

The Governor's Chief Climate Change and Western Climate Change Advisor, David Van t' Hof, will meet with dozens of AOI Member companies Wednesday, April 30, 2008 to discuss the statues of the state Cap & Trade proposal, how Oregon will be affected by these new programs and hear from the greater business community. Afterwards, AOI Members will begin formulating options for the general business community and policies with regard to climate change issues.  

The meeting is open to anyone employed by an AOI member company. Guests are welcome by confirming attendance with AOI Air and Energy Committee Co-chair Tom Wood. 

For meeting details visit the AOI Event Calendar.