Labor Department Makes it Easier to File Complaints

The Oregon Bureau of Labor Industries is making it easier for people to file a civil rights complaint.

They have removed the requirement that a complaint be notarized.

A spokesman for the bureau says that the change came after consultation with groups such as the Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid Services of Oregon about the difficulty in obtaining access to notary publics for lower-income Oregonians and those who live in rural parts of the state.

It turned out that while the bureau had always required a notary sign off on complaints, there's no actual rule or all requiring it.

"The Civil Rights Division enforces laws meant to protect equal opportunity in employment, housing and public places," said Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian. "We hope that this modest change will make it easier for anyone potentially facing unlawful discrimination or other unfair treatment."

The change goes into effect on Monday.