If you live or work in Oregon, you’ve likely encountered the acronym BOLI. It stands for the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries, the state agency that serves as a watchdog for worker rights and fair dealings in employment, housing, and public life.
Led by an elected Labor Commissioner, BOLI’s core mission is to protect fairness in the workplace, ensure civil rights for all residents, and foster a highly skilled workforce across the state. Understanding BOLI’s responsibilities is key for both Oregon workers and employers to stay compliant and protect their interests.
The Three Pillars of BOLI’s Work
BOLI operates through three main divisions, each dedicated to enforcing specific state laws and providing crucial public services.
1. The Civil Rights Division
The Civil Rights Division is arguably BOLI’s broadest area of influence, tackling illegal discrimination and harassment. Critically, their enforcement extends beyond the office to cover where you live and what public services you can access.
* Employment: Protecting workers from discrimination and retaliation based on protected statuses like age, race, gender identity, disability, and religion.
* Housing: Ensuring tenants and home-seekers are not discriminated against by landlords, property managers, or real estate agents.
* Public Accommodations: Guaranteeing equal access to services, stores, restaurants, and other facilities open to the public.Action Item: If you feel you have been unfairly treated, harassed, or retaliated against due to a protected characteristic in any of these areas, you can initiate a civil rights complaint through BOLI.
2. Apprenticeship and Training Division
This division looks to the future of Oregon’s labor force by developing and supporting registered apprenticeship programs.These programs are structured training pathways—often called “earn while you learn” opportunities—that combine structured, on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
BOLI oversees these programs to ensure they are high-quality, standardized, and lead to recognized professional credentials in trades like construction, advanced manufacturing, and technical services. It is a critical function for both workforce development and economic growth.
Why Employers and Employees Rely on BOLI
For employees, BOLI is a powerful advocate that ensures your fundamental rights under state law are protected without needing to hire a private attorney immediately.
For employers, BOLI acts as a vital resource, offering compliance seminars, legal guidance, and publications to help businesses successfully navigate and adhere to Oregon’s extensive labor and civil rights laws. Staying informed through BOLI’s educational resources is the best way to avoid costly lawsuits and violations.
Ready to learn more about your specific rights or obligations in Oregon? It’s always best to consult the official BOLI website.
