BOLI Issues Temporary Order to Coordinate July 2024 OFLA and PLO Changes
On May 8, 2024, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) issued a temporary order, which went into effect immediately and continues to be effective through July 1, 2024. This order clarifies the transition of certain leave protections from the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) to Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) beginning on July 1, 2024. Specifically, this order directs employers to take the following actions.
Notice to Employees Whose Leave Is OFLA Approved
If you’re an employer that has approved or designated OFLA-protected leave scheduled on or after July 1, 2024, you must notify all employees in writing as soon as you can, but no later than June 1, 2024, that the leave won’t be protected by OFLA from July 1, 2024, onwards. Ensure that this notice is written in the language you typically use to communicate with employees.
Rescinding Designations
Employers can rescind previous OFLA leave designations scheduled to begin on or after July 1, 2024. However, in doing so, you must give your employees written information, at the same time you rescind that designation, that explains how they can apply for benefits under PLO. This information should include how to contact PLO or the administrator of your own private equivalent plan.
Pending Designations
If you have received information from an employee about OFLA leave that would have allowed you to provisionally designate their leave as OFLA before July 1, 2024, you must, as quickly as possible but no later than 14 days after receiving it, give those employees written information that explains how to apply for benefits under PLO, including contact information for PLO or the administrator of your own private equivalent plan.
You can fulfill the written information requirement for pending and rescinding designations by using the notice from the director of the Employment Department.
