Oregon Workplace Fairness Act

Overview Oregon SB 726, known as the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act (the “OWFA”), was passed by the legislature in 2019, effective October 1st, 2020. The OWFA will require major changes to employee/employer agreements and discrimination policies.  Employers in Oregon should immediately review and update their policies and agreements based on the law’s provisions. The [...]

By |2021-08-26T15:18:25+00:00September 30th, 2020|Business, Employment, HR, Legislative Updates, Small Business|Comments Off on Oregon Workplace Fairness Act

2019 WA H.B. 1450 – (Washington State) Non-competition Covenants

OVERVIEW On May 8, 2019, Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1450, a bill that effects substantial changes into the enforceability of non-compete covenants in the state of Washington. As the bill recites, the legislature found that “workforce mobility is important to economic growth and development,” and the bill introduces new limitations on the use of [...]

By |2019-09-04T18:05:01+00:00September 5th, 2019|Business, Contracts, Employment, Legislative Updates, Small Business|Comments Off on 2019 WA H.B. 1450 – (Washington State) Non-competition Covenants

Unpaid Interns

Arrangements between “for profit” companies and unpaid interns can lead to rewarding experiences for both parties. Interns benefit by receiving valuable real-world experience, mentorship, and connections. Companies get the opportunity to give back to students and help strengthen their industry. However, unpaid internships are not without issues and the legal landscape is shifting to require [...]

By |2018-03-22T19:21:36+00:00February 27th, 2017|Business, Employment, HR, Legislative Updates, Small Business|Comments Off on Unpaid Interns

Oregon Paid Sick Leave Law

Recently, Oregon joined a growing number of cities and states adopting laws which provide for sick leave for employees. The new law which becomes effective on January 1, 2016 will apply to substantially all Oregon employers. However, only employers with ten or more employees will be required to provide paid sick leave. Employers with nine [...]

By |2015-09-29T18:40:29+00:00July 29th, 2015|Business, Employment, HR, Legislative Updates, Small Business|Comments Off on Oregon Paid Sick Leave Law

It May be Time Revisit Your Employee Handbook

I didn’t foresee the day when words like “disrespectful, rude, disruptive or inappropriate” when used in an Employee Handbook would potentially land a business in hot water with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The “what?” you say. The NLRB is the federal government agency charged with enforcing provisions of the National Labor Relations Act [...]

By |2018-03-22T19:21:36+00:00July 8th, 2015|Business, Corporate Counsel, Employment, HR, Small Business|Comments Off on It May be Time Revisit Your Employee Handbook

How do I keep former employees from competing against me?

How do I keep former employees from competing against me? After investing the time and money that it takes to launch a new, successful business, it is not surprising that many companies seek to protect their confidential information and general know-how. By signing a simple non-competition agreement (or “non-compete”) with employees or contractors, a company [...]

By |2018-03-22T19:21:39+00:00April 22nd, 2014|Business, Contracts, Employment, HR, Non-Compete, Small Business|Comments Off on How do I keep former employees from competing against me?

Is my Worker an Independent Contractor or an Employee?

Is my Worker an Independent Contractor or an Employee? For every business owner, large and small, knowing the difference between an independent contractor and employee is an important one. It is particularly important because, even though it is not always clear, the financial consequences of mistaking a contractor for an employee could be dire (taxes, [...]

By |2018-03-22T19:21:39+00:00April 21st, 2014|Business, Contracts, Employment, HR, Small Business|1 Comment

Employee Engagement

How Do I Engage my Employees to Produce the Best Results for my Company? Immix hosted a Powerup Event on October 18, gathering business leaders and consultants to discuss an important topic for small and growing businesses. Although the topic was branding, we were reminded of the importance of an employee’s role in bringing a [...]

By |2018-03-22T19:21:39+00:00April 21st, 2014|Business, Employment, HR, Small Business|Comments Off on Employee Engagement