The Oregon legislature has delayed the rollout of the state’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) program, originally scheduled for 2022. Legislation signed July 27, 2021, by Governor Kate Brown changes the start date for employer and employee contributions from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023, delaying benefit payments September 3, 2023; and employer assistance grants to June 30, 2023.
According to the Oregon Employment Department, the agency charged with running the PFML program, the changes were necessary due to the impact on the agency of administering unemployment insurance benefits during the pandemic.
Oregon PFML will provide workers with cash benefits during family, medical or safety-related leave. Employers will pay 40% of PFML contributions and employees will pay 60%. Employers with fewer than 25 employees are exempt from contributing; however, if they choose to contribute, they may apply for a grant to offset leave costs.
Additional information on PFML is available on the Oregon Employment Department’s website by clicking here.
