Oregon Lawmakers to Consider Bill Granting Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers

In a significant move that could impact thousands of workers across Oregon, lawmakers are considering a proposal that would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits. The bill, Senate Bill 916, is being proposed by the AFL-CIO of Oregon in response to the ongoing labor disputes affecting workers across the state. If passed, it would amend Oregon’s current laws, which currently do not allow workers on strike to access unemployment insurance.

A Change in Oregon’s Current Law

The bill has been introduced by several key figures in the state legislature, including Senate Committee on Labor and Business Chair Kathleen Taylor, who is one of the main sponsors of the bill. It has yet to be scheduled for a hearing but is expected to move forward given the strong support from unions that represent over 300,000 workers in Oregon.

Currently, Oregon law restricts unemployment benefits for workers on strike. However, if SB 916 is passed, striking workers could be eligible for unemployment after just one week on strike, a significantly shorter period than the two-week waiting period required in other states, such as New York and New Jersey.

Why the Bill Is Important

This change comes amid the ongoing strike by nearly 5,000 Providence Health workers across various locations in Oregon, including Hood River, Medford, Newberg, and Seaside. These workers include nurses, doctors, midwives, and other essential staff, and they have been on strike for several weeks, hoping for better working conditions and fair pay. The inability to access unemployment benefits during a strike makes it difficult for workers to continue fighting for their rights, as many must return to work out of financial necessity.

In the past year alone, Oregon has seen several high-profile strikes, including those by Portland teachers, grocery store workers in Portland, and Boeing workers in Gresham. City workers in Portland are also preparing for a potential work stoppage. As more workers choose to strike in search of better conditions, the debate over whether striking workers should be eligible for unemployment benefits is gaining momentum.

Supporters of the Bill Argue for Fairness

The AFL-CIO, a coalition of labor unions, believes that providing unemployment benefits to striking workers is crucial for a fair labor market. In a position paper, the National Employment Law Project (NELP), which advocates for workers’ rights, explained the reasoning behind the bill. NELP argues that giving unemployment benefits to striking workers would help balance the power dynamics between employers and employees.

The organization notes that, without unemployment benefits, striking workers often face severe economic hardship, which can push them to accept unfavorable working conditions or return to work before they’ve achieved their desired outcomes. The NELP believes that by extending unemployment benefits to strikers, workers would have the financial stability to hold out longer and potentially force employers to negotiate more fairly.

According to NELP, this would result in quicker and more effective negotiations, benefiting both the workers and the employers in the long term. They also suggest that it would encourage more transparent and honest bargaining practices between the two sides.

Opposition from Business Groups

Not everyone is in favor of the proposed bill. Employers, particularly large businesses represented by groups like Oregon Business & Industry (OBI), are concerned about the potential costs of expanding unemployment benefits to striking workers. In a statement, OBI spokesman Erik Lukens emphasized the importance of unemployment benefits as a safety net for those who lose their jobs involuntarily.

Lukens expressed concerns that extending benefits to workers who choose to strike could lead to higher costs for employers, who are responsible for paying quarterly taxes that fund the state’s unemployment insurance system. The OBI plans to closely monitor SB 916 as it moves through the legislative process and may push for changes to the proposal to address their concerns.

While unions strongly support the bill, there is still considerable debate about whether it is fair to allow workers who voluntarily stop working to receive unemployment benefits, especially when employers are already paying into the unemployment system for other workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Bill?

While the bill is still in its early stages, its supporters are optimistic about its chances. With powerful labor organizations backing it, and a legislator who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor and Business behind it, SB 916 could be on its way to a hearing soon. If it passes, Oregon would join New York and New Jersey in allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.

At the same time, business groups like the OBI will likely continue to voice their concerns, which could lead to changes or amendments to the bill before it is passed. Lawmakers will need to balance the needs of workers who are fighting for better conditions and the concerns of employers who worry about the potential financial impact of the bill.

As the debate continues, striking workers across Oregon and beyond will be watching closely, hoping that this bill will provide them with the financial support they need to continue fighting for fair wages and better working conditions.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author