Attorney General Dan Rayfield has initiated a substantial reorganization within the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ) focused on economic justice for consumers and working families. Recognized as the Economic Justice Section, this new structure is poised to double Oregon's resources intended for shielding residents from exploitative practices and workplace injustices, as mentioned in a press release from the Oregon Department of Justice.
With no additional tax burden projected, the self-sufficient Economic Justice Section promises amplified enforcement and assistance, addressing a spike in consumer hotline calls over the past year. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, "Every day, people in Oregon face scams, shady car sales, predatory practices, and unfairness in the workplace," Rayfield stated. In acknowledgment of these mounting issues, Rayfield expects the new section to offer a level of protection that has been lagging in recent times.
The revamped Economic Justice Section combines antitrust, false claims, privacy, and consumer protection teams. At its core is the newly established Working Families Unit, which will begin its operations with a fresh cohort of attorneys this October. The unit's mission is to enhance the state's ability to tackle cases that directly impact working families.
Attorney General Rayfield is not alone in his pursuit of strengthening worker protections. Other state attorneys general convened just yesterday, swapping strategies effective in their own Working Families Units. "By creating a dedicated Working Families Unit focused on workplace justice, Attorney General Rayfield is showing leadership in committing resources to Oregon’s working people," Terri Gerstein, Director of the NYU Wagner Labor Initiative, said.
The new section arrives at a moment when the roles of federal enforcement agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) appear diminished. This shift in the ODOJ mirrors a broader state effort to take the reins in safeguarding consumer rights and workers' welfare, amid these federal changes. "Oregon unions know that laws only matter if they’re enforced, and the new Working Families Unit will give workers a real ally inside the DOJ," Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor emphasized, suggesting a shared recognition of the need for formidable state advocacy in a climate where federal watchdogs are perceived as less vigilant.
In a resolute statement, Attorney General Rayfield articulated his commitment, "While the federal government looks the other way, we’re not taking our eye off the ball. Our focus is right here at home, making sure people can trust that someone has their back when they’re up against big players," according to the Oregon Department of Justice. This forward-looking approach by Oregon's DOJ reaffirms the state's investment in the equitable treatment and protection of its citizens — a theme that is critical in today's socio-economic landscape.
