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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Jackson County's GMO ban is legal under state law, judge rules ... Second suspect charged in February arson in Medford ... Jackson County run now an official qualifier for Boston Marathon ... Jackson County's GMO ban is legal under state law, judge rules ... Second suspect charged in February arson in Medford ... Jackson County run now an official qualifier for Boston Marathon ... OREGON LEGISLATURE Senate backs bill allowing Oregon workers to talk about pay Comment By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press Posted May. 28, 2015 at 4:49 PM By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press Posted May. 28, 2015 at 4:49 PM » Social News SALEM — The Oregon Senate on Thursday endorsed a bill that would allow people to sue an employer if they're sanctioned for discussing their pay. The supporters, all of them Democrats, said the measure would help women who make less than their male co-workers. They approved it over the objection of critics, mostly Republicans, who said it would harm businesses. "This bill won't change the world, but it will take a step toward fairness," said Sen. Diane Rosenbaum, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate. The measure makes it illegal for employers to punish workers for discussing, revealing or asking about their own pay or a coworker's. Supporters say women who don't know they're underpaid or fear retaliation from their employer can't fight for a fair wage. Critics said it will expose businesses to the potential for expensive lawsuits and require them to keep cumbersome paperwork to justify their salary decisions in case they're ever challenged. Some said they were concerned about discord at work between employees whose wages differ for legitimate reasons — such as experience, skills or performance — as opposed to gender. "This bill really is a detriment to employers," said Sen. Alan Olsen, R-Canby. "Most employers are wise enough to make certain that their people are paid correctly and appropriately." Senators approved the measure 17-13 after a spirited debate that fell largely along party lines. Democratic Sen. Betsy Johnson of Scappoose, who often breaks with her party on business issues, sided with all 12 Republicans in opposition. The measure, HB 2007, heads to Democratic Gov. Kate Brown.    By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press MailTribune.com By Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press Posted May. 28, 2015 at 4:49 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501