Secretary of State Could Not Reject Clean Energy Initiatives on “Single Subject” Grounds

Clean energy advocates filed two initiatives, IP’s 48 and 49 (2020), to promote and establish clean energy infrastructure and standards.  The Secretary of State rejected both initiatives, claiming that because the proposals called for fair labor standards for clean energy-related construction projects, it impermissibly encompassed “two subjects.”  Advocates filed a lawsuit in Marion County challenging […]

A Finding that a Teacher has Engaged in “Sexual Conduct” as Defined by Statute Requires that the Employer Prove Actual Inappropriate Conduct

A new and inexperienced teacher struggled with classroom management in a middle school in Portland that had seen significant staff and administration turnover and dysfunction.  A few students claimed that teacher made them feel uncomfortable in class.  Teacher, who acknowledged challenges with classroom management, resigned after being non-renewed.  Over seven months later, District notified teacher […]

Black Lives Matter

We at Bennett Hartman, LLP acknowledge the call within the Labor Movement, the Judiciary, and the legal community for the self-reflection, personal accountability, and change necessary to eradicate the racism that permeates all facets of our justice system. In this moment – with the pandemic highlighting historic economic and health inequity and the murder of […]

A Message about Coronavirus from Bennett Hartman

To our clients, colleagues, and friends: During these unprecedented times, we want to re-assure you and our community that we are here to help, and that we will get through this together. While we work from home to comply with social distancing requirements, we continue to explore better technological resources to allow us to connect […]

Jury Verdict on Hostile Work Environment Claim

A Multnomah County jury gave a verdict in favor of a former employee of MindRite, a cannabis dispensary in Northwest Portland. In August 2017 the employee complained to the owners of MindRite that her male coworkers were sexually harassing customers and colleagues. After reporting the sexual harassment, the employee also told an owner of MindRite […]

Union Members File Constitutional Challenge to SB 1049

On August, 9, 2019, Aruna Masih and Greg Hartman of Bennett Hartman filed a petition with the Oregon Supreme Court on behalf of nine public employees who are union members challenging the constitutionality of SB 1049. The petition alleges that the SB 1049 cuts to Individual Account Program (IAP) benefits and salary cap constitute an […]

Court of Appeals Upholds Union’s Right to Arbitration

TriMet, a public mass transit agency, refused to arbitrate a grievance filed by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757, concerning a decision to enter into contracts with nonunion shuttlebus companies. TriMet receives federal grant funds which it passes on to nonprofit shuttlebus operators. When TriMet contracted with a non-union operator, the union claimed a violation […]

Judges who wed couples can’t refuse same-sex unions, ABA ethics opinion says

Judges who perform marriages may not refuse to perform marriages for same-sex couples, according to a recently released formal ethics opinion from the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Judges not only must follow the law but also must act impartially and free from bias or prejudice, the opinion says. Formal […]

Oregon LERA Discussion on Janus, August 14, 2018

Please register and pay online by visiting www.oregonlera.org (“Upcoming Events”) or you can pay at the door. Cost is $30 for LERA members and $45 for non-LERA members.  Annual membership dues are $40 for the year and will cover membership through the end of 2018 and the cost of this program.  If you have questions […]