OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2010

Contact: Nick Smith 503-986-1351

END, DON’T MEND, OREGON’S WORKPLACE GAG LAW

Legislature Should Focus on Creating Jobs, Not Passing Laws that Limit Job Creation

SALEM—House Republicans today sought to repeal a 2009 law, currently in litigation, that silences employers and expands the influence of union bosses in the workplace. Democrats rejected the Republicans’ “minority report” and passed their committee bill (HB 3653) that makes technical changes to the law.

The 2009 law prohibits employers from communicating with their employees on issues that affect their business, including the consequences of pending legislation that affects their jobs.

“Employees have a right to know what impact new regulations, new rules, new fees, and new taxes will have on their jobs,” said Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem), the minority report’s carrier.  “Employers have a right to encourage their employees to engage in the political process in order to affect change or maintain the status quo when necessary. Limiting what they can do in the workplace by such drastic measures is not something that will help us create jobs.”

During the 2009 session, Democrats forced the gag law through the Legislature without fully vetting its legal consequences. Republicans say HB 3653 is being pushed in advance of an expected court ruling, and any claims that the business community was consulted on technical fixes are simply untrue.

“Small business owners take risks every day and help drive this economy,” Rep. Cameron said.  “During this February session, the Legislature should focus on creating jobs, not passing bills that hurt employers.”

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