How employers are adapting to Oregon’s farmworker overtime law
A new law in Oregon requires farmers to pay workers overtime. Workers are owed time-and-a-half pay for any hours worked over 55 in a given week, a threshold that will decline to 40 hours by 2027. While some farmers say they agree workers should earn overtime, they’re already seeking relief. Bills in the Oregon Legislature would amend the law, changing the overtime threshold to 48 hours except during “peak labor periods” like harvest when it would be set at 55 hours. Farmworker unions oppose the legislation. (George Plaven and Sierra Dawn McClain/Capital Press)
Eugene tries to quiet down a wood processing plant
The Eugene City Council voted to amend its industrial noise ordinance to include low-frequency sounds. The move comes after piles of complaints from north Eugene residents who say the low buzzing of machinery at the Zip-O-Laminators wood laminating plant has affected their quality of life. Councilor Lyndsie Leech said if the plant violates the amended code, it will be subject to a daily fine. (Tiffany Eckert/KLCC)
Woman awarded $1 million after enduring racial discrimination at Tanasbourne gas station
A jury awarded $1 million to Rose Wakefield after finding she faced racial discrimination when attempting to fill up at a gas station near Hillsboro three years ago. Wakefield, who is Black, alleged in an October 2020 court filing that gas station attendant Nigel Powers ignored her, pumping gas for white drivers who arrived after her. According to the complaint, she later confronted Powers, who said, “I don’t serve Blacks,” and laughed at her. The civil lawsuit went to trial earlier this month and the jury delivered its verdict Monday. (Lauren Bishop/The Portland Tribune)
Crook County has already declared a drought emergency
For the fourth consecutive year, Crook County has declared a drought emergency. The declaration will allow the county to apply for state funds to alleviate the burden of exceptionally dry conditions, with Gov. Tina Kotek’s approval. Neighboring Jefferson County has also requested state aid. The two requests mark the first time in Oregon history that counties have applied for drought assistance in January. (Michael Kohn/The Bulletin)
Pacific Northwest chefs and eateries earn James Beard nominations
The James Beard Foundation has announced its list of award semifinalists for 2023. The James Beard Awards are like the Oscars of the U.S. food world, and several Oregon and Washington chefs and eateries are among the nominees. The Northwest nods aren’t limited to the Portland and Seattle metro areas — restaurants like McMinnville’s Okta and Pullman’s The Black Cypress will also compete with the nation’s best. (Alia Beard Rau/Statesman Journal)