Yesterday, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) released its second annual State of the Worker report, detailing progress made since last year’s call for urgent reinvestment in the state agency charged with enforcing wage theft protections, civil rights laws and ensuring pathways to living wage careers through registered apprenticeship.
The 2025 report highlights a turning point: after decades of underinvestment, lawmakers approved the largest investment in a generation. With new staff and new system upgrades set to come online, BOLI is beginning to reduce long-standing case backlogs and restore timely access to justice for Oregonians who have been denied pay, faced discrimination, or need support entering registered apprenticeship programs.
“Last year, we made the case that Oregonians could not wait any longer. The Governor, the Legislature, business and worker representatives answered that call,” said Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson. “This year’s report shows we’ve used every tool available to move faster and reduce backlogs even prior to the investment of this session the commitment that led us to this point, coupled with the recent support from the legislature paves a pathway to a future Oregon where the laws on the books can be real for each and every Oregonian. But to sustain this progress, we must secure long-term funding that keeps worker protections strong through good times and bad.”
Progress on Backlogs
The report provides an update on BOLI’s backlogs across the Wage & Hour and Civil Rights Divisions. Since last year, intake backlogs have begun to decline, though investigations remain a challenge as cases move further into the system. BOLI’s goals are:
- Civil Rights intake backlog cleared by mid-2026
- Wage & Hour intake backlog cleared by mid-2027
- Wage & Hour investigation backlog cleared by mid-2029
Protecting All Workers Amid Federal Instability
With shifting priorities at the federal level, BOLI has reaffirmed its role as Oregon’s frontline enforcer of civil rights and labor standards. The agency has prioritized cases of immigration-related retaliation and continued full enforcement of protections for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse workers, even as federal enforcement has narrowed.
“No matter what happens in Washington D.C., Oregon law hasn’t changed, and neither has BOLI’s resolve,” said Commissioner Stephenson. “We will protect all workers, regardless of gender identity and regardless of immigration status. Every Oregonian deserves and still has the full protection of the law.” The report also outlines new laws from the 2025 legislative session, progress in good governance initiatives such as the launch of a free Alternative Dispute Resolution program, and enforcement of new hospital staffing protections.
Commissioner Stephenson emphasized that while this year’s budget marked a breakthrough, permanent funding solutions are still needed to prevent future crises.
“Funding alone doesn’t deliver justice. Accountability and follow through do. That’s why we will continue to build trust through transparency, fairness, and results.”
Led by Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson, the Bureau of Labor and Industries protects employment rights, advances employment opportunities, and protects access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination for all Oregonians. If you believe you have been denied your rights at work or in public spaces, you can file a complaint online.
