Two significant labor reforms enacted in 2025 are reshaping workers’ rights in Oregon. House Bill 2541, signed into law on May 7, 2025, extends breastfeeding accommodation rights to agricultural workers—a sector historically excluded from such protections. The law requires agricultural employers to provide designated spaces and reasonable break time for employees expressing breast milk during work hours, bringing the state in line with protections already afforded to workers in other industries.
“This represents meaningful progress for Oregon’s agricultural workforce,” said a spokesperson for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. “Agricultural workers deserve the same workplace dignity and health considerations as any other employee.”
In a separate move to protect construction workers, Senate Bill 426, signed on June 9, 2025, established joint and several liability for property owners, contracted buyers, lessees, and direct contractors concerning unpaid wages. The law applies to unrepresented employees of direct contractors and subcontractors at any tier for construction work performed within the scope of a construction contract. This provision aims to prevent wage theft through complex subcontracting arrangements common in Oregon’s construction industry.
Additionally, Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) operating in Oregon face new licensing requirements effective September 28, 2025, under House Bill 2800. The law requires mandatory licensure through the Department of Consumer and Business Services and grants PEOs access to accident experience records from the State Accident Insurance Fund to set workers’ compensation rates accurately.
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