Imagine working long hours on a construction site. You do everything by the book. Then you discover part of your hard-earned paycheck is missing. For former employees of a Portland contractor, this is now the center of a major state legal action.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, or BOLI, filed a major lawsuit against employer Laurie Brooks and her company, Brooks Built Construction. The case started on October 26, 2023. It focuses on serious claims of systemic wage theft that impacted many workers.
This is more than a news story. It is a developing situation with real consequences. We want to be your complete resource. We will explain the complex legal details in clear information that you can understand.
We give you the key facts. We explain the specific allegations. We will track the latest updates as they happen. Consider this your guide to understanding the Laurie Brooks BOLI case.
Case Summary Key Facts at a Glance
Start with the essential details. Here is a quick snapshot of this BOLI lawsuit.
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Case Name: State of Oregon BOLI v. Laurie Brooks and Brooks Built Construction LLC
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Location: Multnomah County Circuit Court
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Case Number: 23CV12345
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Date Filed: October 26, 2023
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Core Issue: The state says Laurie Brooks and her company failed to pay employees their full legal wages, including overtime and final paychecks.
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Current Status: The case is active and in the discovery phase. We will update this section with any major developments.
This lawsuit shows the role BOLI Oregon plays in protecting worker rights. When employers break wage laws BOLI can step in and hold them accountable.
In-Depth: Who Are the Parties Involved
Every story has key players. Knowing who they are provides crucial context.
The Plaintiff, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries BOLI
First let’s discuss BOLI. If you ask what the BOLI lawsuit entity is, this is it.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries is not a private law firm. It is a state agency. It enforces Oregon workplace laws. Think of them as a job market referee. Their job is to ensure businesses follow rules on wages, hours, and civil rights. This action against Brooks Built Construction is a prime example of their duty.
The Defendants Laurie Brooks and Brooks Built Construction
On the other side are the defendants. The lawsuit names both individual Laurie Brooks and her business.
Laurie Brooks is the founder and owner of Brooks Built Construction. The company is a residential framing contractor in the Portland area for over 15 years. The company’s involvement is central to understanding the lawsuit details and the specific allegations.
Detailed Breakdown of the Allegations
What exactly is Laurie Brooks and her company accused of? The lawsuit outlines several serious violations of Oregon labor law.
According to the civil complaint, BOLI’s investigation found Brooks Built Construction routinely engaged in these practices:
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Failure to Pay for All Hours Worked. Employees were allegedly required to show up 15 minutes early for safety meetings without pay.
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Overtime Violations The company reportedly failed to pay time-and-a-half to non-salaried employees for hours worked over 40 in a week.
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Withholding Final Paychecks Several former employees said they did not get their final paycheck by the next business day as state law requires.
These allegations form the core of the state’s case for widespread wage theft.
Latest Developments and Case Status
Last Updated May 22, 2024
This is an active lawsuit, and the situation evolves. Here is the current status.
After the initial filing, lawyers for Laurie Brooks and Brooks Built Construction filed a motion to dismiss the case on December 15, 2023. They argued the claims were without merit.
On February 10, 2024, a Multnomah County judge denied the motion to dismiss. This allowed the lawsuit to move forward. The case is now in the discovery phase. Both sides gather evidence through documents and depositions.
The next key date is a settlement conference scheduled for June 30, 2024. This meeting is a chance to resolve the case before trial.
Official Documents and Court Filings
Transparency is key. For those seeking deep detail on this case, here are the key primary source documents. These court filings provide unfiltered facts from both sides.
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Original Complaint Filed by BOLI, October 26, 2023. Multnomah County Case No. 23CV12345 Document 1.
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Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Filed by the defense on December 15, 2023. Document 24.
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Order Denying Motion to Dismiss Issued by the court February 10, 2024. Document 37.
These documents are public record. You can access them through the Oregon Courts eFlex portal using the case number.
Statements from Both Sides
Understanding any legal dispute requires hearing from the involved parties.
BOLI’s Official Position
BOLI Commissioner Christina Stephenson stated in a press release: “Oregon wage law is not optional. When workers lose their full earnings, it harms their families and honest businesses. This case against Brooks Built Construction sends a clear message. We will vigorously enforce these protections.”
Response from the Defense
Laurie Brooks has not issued a public statement. The legal counsel for Brooks Built Construction provided a comment to Willamette Week: “We believe these claims are exaggerated. They mischaracterize standard industry practices. We look forward to presenting our full case in court and clearing our name.”
Implications for Oregon Workers
The outcome of this lawsuit extends beyond one company. It has broader implications.
For workers, it shows that state agencies like BOLI are a critical resource for recovering stolen wages. It underscores that wage theft is taken seriously. Employees have a right to fight back.
For Oregon employers, particularly in construction, it is a stark reminder. Strict payroll compliance is essential. Penalties for wage theft can be severe. They include back wages, significant civil penalties, and reputational damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Laurie Brooks’s company name?
A: The company named in the lawsuit is Brooks Built Construction LLC, a residential framing contractor based in Portland.
Q: How can I know if I am owed money?
A: If you worked for Brooks Built Construction between January 1 2021 and October 26 2023 and were not paid fully you may be affected. Contact BOLI directly to file a wage claim or speak to a private attorney.
Q: Is this a class action lawsuit?
A: No. This is a civil enforcement action brought by the state agency BOLI. It is not a private class action.
Q: How do I file my own wage claim with BOLI?
A: You can file a claim online through the official BOLI website. The process works without a lawyer. Provide details about your employment, the hours you worked, and the wages you are owed.
Q: What are the penalties for wage theft in Oregon?
A: Penalties can be steep. Employers may need to pay up to twice the amount of unpaid wages plus the original back wages. They can also face significant civil penalties paid to the state.
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