Chapter 5: Municipal Employees & Personnel Matters

Today’s smart city manager or supervisor knows that failing to keep abreast of the many Oregon and federal labor and employment laws that regulate workplaces can have financial and other consequences in the form of claims, lawsuits and unwanted publicity.  Complying with these laws, and engaging in “defensive management” whenever possible, should be a priority for all managers and supervisors working for Oregon’s cities.

This chapter will touch on the basic requirements of employment and labor laws, including the criteria for which laws apply to city employers.  The chapter also includes a discussion about the roles and responsibilities elected officials have over day-to-day personnel matters, and some “best practices” for ensuring that the elected official-employee relationship is a positive one.  In sum, this chapter will be your city’s personal guide to managing your personnel and minimizing your city’s risk of liability under Oregon and federal employment and labor laws.