Paid Leave Oregon Implementation Guide

This guide provides an overview of Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon (PLO) program, which began accepting employee applications on August 14, 2023, with benefits starting on September 3, 2023. The PLO program offers paid family and medical leave, allowing eligible employees to take up to twelve weeks of paid leave within a 52-week period for various qualifying reasons, including family care, personal medical conditions, and safe leave for survivors of violence. The guide outlines eligibility criteria, which include performing work in Oregon and contributing to the paid leave trust fund. It also details the application process, employer responsibilities, and the funding structure of the program, which is supported by payroll taxes from employees and large employers. Additionally, the guide explains the relationship between PLO and other leave programs like FMLA and OFLA, emphasizing the need for employers to inform employees about PLO and to update their leave policies accordingly. Employers are encouraged to consult legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the new program.