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 […]

Oregon Supreme Court Protects PERS Benefits

For over two decades Greg Hartman has represented a coalition of public sector labor unions in protecting the rights of members under Oregon’s public employee retirement system. This representation has involved not only litigation but multiple appearances before the Oregon legislature as well as before the Public Employee Retirement Board. Greg has handled several cases […]

PERS Data Verification

An employee entitled to PERS benefits was told by PERS that she would be receiving a certain amount in retirement benefits. The employee gave up her job and retired in reliance on the information provided by PERS. Several months after the employee retired, PERS told the employee that her retirement benefit amount was actually a […]

Retiree Health Insurance Benefits Protected

Employees who had taken a leave of absence and not maintained health insurance through the employer were denied early retirement health insurance benefits after retirement.  The union pursued a group grievance under the early retirement benefits section of collective bargaining agreement, arguing that the employees were entitled to benefits based on years of service and the […]

Disciplinary Action Reversed

An employee suffering from Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) covered conditions was disciplined for alleged excessive absenteeism. Aruna Masih, representing the employee through her union, took grievances on behalf of the employee to arbitration under the union’s contract with the employer and won reversal of the disciplinary action.

Sexual Harassment Settlement Awarded

An employee was subjected to sexual harassment by her supervisor and other male co-workers. The situation at work became so unbearable that the employee was forced to quit her job. Aruna Masih helped file a sex discrimination and wrongful discharge case in state court on behalf of the employee. The employer settled the case during […]

Travel Reimbursements Settlement

An employee was denied reimbursement for travel she did for her employer. Aruna, represented the employee through her union, filed grievances on behalf of the employee under the union’s contract with the employer and negotiated a settlement with the employer for the full amount owed to the employee.

Disability Discrimination Case Settled

An employee suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder was refused the right to return to work by her employer, even after her doctor issued a full release. Aruna helped file a disability discrimination case in federal court on behalf of the employee. The employer settled the case before trial, agreeing to give the employee most of […]