Oregon to Provide Employment Protections for On-the-Job Training Participants and Apprentices

Oregon has added to its unlawful discrimination law. Effective January 1, 2024, an individual who participates in an on-the-job training program or in a registered apprenticeship program is considered to be in an employment relationship with the employer for the purposes of protections provided under ORS chapter 659A concerning civil rights, discrimination and harassment in the workplace, and will be entitled to the same rights and privileges with respect to such protections as are granted to employees. 

“On-the-job training program” means a private sector training program that provides individuals who participate in the program with job-specific skills training necessary for obtaining employment in a skilled trade, but does not include an on-the-job training program administered or operated by the Department of Corrections or Oregon Corrections Enterprises.

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