Don't Change Oregon Leasing Rules

On March 29, 2018, the Oregon Division of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) invited public comment on proposed changes to Workers' Compensation Rules:

On April 24, 2018, I provided verbal public comment on the proposed changes. All of the other people in the room who provided public comment were representatives of employers/staffing firms. I was the sole voice and a former worker.

Shortly thereafter, notice of written public comment on the proposed changes was extended to today, May 21, 2018:

Extension of comment period through May 21, 2018

Caption: Worker leasing licensing, workers’ compensation coverage of clients, recordkeeping, and reporting

Dear committee members and other interested people,

The Workers’ Compensation Division has extended the comment period for the proposed rules affecting worker leasing, https://wcd.oregon.gov/laws/Documents/Proposed_rules_and_testimony/Div-050-180-2018-04-24/50_180-18XXXp-notice-extension.pdf:

OAR 436-050, Employer/Insurer Coverage Responsibility, and 

OAR 436-180, Worker Leasing.

The closing date for written comments, originally set as April 30, 2018, is extended through (and includes) May 21, 2018.

Written comments may be sent to:

[email protected] 

Fred Bruyns, rules coordinator

Workers’ Compensation Division

As a citizen of Oregon, I am providing a lengthy public comment based on my personal experience alerting Oregon Workers' Compensation Division to concerns raised in 2014:

Don't change Oregon's worker leasing rules as proposed until the state enforces current laws, holds accountable those abusing existing laws/rules, and includes participation/input from individuals and organizations representing workers' rights at all stakeholder meetings.

The gig economy exploits both blue- and white-collar workers and attempts to legitimize the gig economy in any way should be prohibited. Changes to Oregon's worker leasing rules impact the definitions of various worker types in this state and these changes are not in line with the mission of the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division to advance a leading worker’s compensation system that represents integrity and fairness for Oregonians.

Thank you.