Proposed TERO amendments comment period open September 1

FORT HALL — Public comment is being taken for proposed TERO amendments as of September 1.  

The TERO Commission is proposing to merge the Worker Protection Ordinance (WPO) with the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance. The TERO Commission finds the WPO is too narrow in its application. Employment, worker protections, and due process ought to be afforded to all persons working on the reservation, while still maintaining and enforcing the Indian Preference tiers. In the absence of safety regulations, OSHA standards will be the guiding principles for safety and health. 

The major changes include:

Merging the two ordinances into one comprehensive Indian Preference in employment, contracting, and worker protection law. Enhance TERO and rescind the WPO.

The proposed TERO amendments will consistently apply to all employers and contractors.

OSHA standards will govern the conduct for which the ordinance is applicable.

All employees will have a right to works and access to due process. 

All comments and feedback will be considered. No amendments will occur unless and until approved by the Fort Hall Business Council, who have not set a deadline for the comment period as of yet.

TERO Commissioners are Steven Wadsworth, Chairman and Danford Dann, Commissioner.

TERO staff are Denell Broncho, Director; Rick Edmo, Tribal Safety Officer; Jimmy Broncho, Safety Trainer/Technician; Lorrie Galloway, Apprenticeship Coordinator. 

A copy of the proposed document can be requested by calling 208-478-3848 or email tero@sbtribes.com, comments can also be emailed to that address as well.