BOLI Reverses Ruling That Derelict Vessel Removal Is Subject to Prevailing Wages
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries reversed its December 2025 ruling that prevailing wages must be paid for derelict vessel removal, saving the Port of Newport and other ports statewide significant costs on a $19 million state cleanup program. The reversal came after the Oregon Public Ports Association challenged BOLI’s initial determination that boats qualified as “structures” under prevailing wage law, though BOLI provided no explanation for its amended decision. The rare reversal comes amid ongoing controversy over BOLI’s prevailing wage interpretations affecting housing projects, with state Sen. Dick Anderson reportedly considering challenging Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson’s reelection after SB 1566 (2026), which would have clarified prevailing wage law, died in committee.