Biographical
Commissioner of Labor and Industries Christina Stephenson
Oregon’s statewide Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson was previously a small business owner and civil rights attorney. Stephenson has dedicated many pro-bono hours to helping draft and pass laws in Oregon. She lives in unincorporated Washington County, Oregon with her husband, son, and cats.
Commissioner of Labor and Industries' Duties
State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 1045, Portland 97232; 971-245-3844
Christina Stephenson, Washington County; nonpartisan; elected Nov 2022; term expires January 2027.
Chief executive of the Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Chair of the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council. The term of the commissioner is four years.
The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) protects workers’ rights through enforcement of state labor laws, ensures access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination for all Oregonians, and promotes the development of a highly skilled workforce through registered apprenticeship programs. BOLI operates across three main divisions:
- Wage and Hour Division: Administers and enforces state laws related to wages, hours of employment, working conditions, child labor, and prevailing wage rates. The division also licenses certain labor contractors and oversees the Wage Security Fund, which covers unpaid wages for workers affected by certain business closures. Additionally, it enforces group health insurance termination notification requirements.
- Civil Rights Division: Enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and vocational, professional, and trade schools.
- Apprenticeship and Training Division: Oversees the state’s registered apprenticeship programs, which provide workers with the opportunity to learn a trade while earning wages. These programs support employers by developing a skilled workforce that meets industry demands.
Additionally, BOLI has an Administrative Prosecution Unit that represents the agency in contested wage and hour and civil rights cases. The commissioner issues final orders in all contested cases, except in commissioner’s complaints, ensuring that enforcement actions align with state laws. BOLI’s Employer Assistance Unit offers guidance, training, and resources to help Oregon businesses comply with complex state and federal laws. BOLI employs about 150 professionals and is headquartered in Portland, with regional offices in Eugene and Salem. The commissioner leads the agency’s efforts to protect Oregonians’ rights, uphold fair practices, and support a thriving workforce.