Oregon House of Representatives to Vote on UI for Striking Workers

The Oregon House of Representatives is set to vote on Senate Bill 916B, a landmark bill from Oregon’s labor movement that would allow both private and public sector employees to access unemployment benefits after two weeks.

Every Oregonian deserves steady income, a living wage, and safe working conditions. Unfortunately, with rising costs of living and shrinking resources for agencies to oversee labor laws, workers have to fight for these rights. 

Senate Bill 916B would guarantee that workers who are forced to strike for better conditions can receive unemployment insurance and don’t have to starve for a decent wage and job safety.

Join us in securing a huge victory for working Oregonians.

WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR REP

Working Oregonians have written over 5,000 letters, made hundreds of phone calls, and submitted nearly 1,000 pieces of testimony — all in support of Senate Bill 916 to extend unemployment to striking workers. 

Support for this legislation has far outweighed opposition at every point — with nine committee meetings and amendments in the Senate and House resulting in a bill that fairly addresses community concerns and maintains protections for workers.

Thanks to the steadfast efforts of workers and labor allies across the state, SB 916B passed the Senate on March 20. Now, this legislation is heading to the House floor next week.

As we near the finish line, it's crucial lawmakers continue to hear from Oregonians to ensure SB 916B clears the next hurdle. Take a moment to write to your legislator to win unemployment for striking workers.

Due to amendments made to polish the language of the bill, once SB 916 passes the House, it will head back to the Senate for concurrence on the House amendment before heading to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk.

This legislation is historic and would make Oregon the first state to allow both private and public sector employees to access unemployment benefits while on strike. While New York and New Jersey also have UI for striking workers, their legislation excludes public employees.

In Oregon, we believe every worker has the right to strike.

Public sector Oregonians want the same things as every other worker — to earn a living wage, serve their community, and support their families. Oftentimes, public sector employees go on strike for the wellbeing of those they serve — teachers for better education for our kids and safer learning conditions and healthcare workers for improved healthcare and patient safety. 

Like all of us, these essential workers deserve the right to strike and to do so without fear of starvation or losing their housing. SB 916 would allow both public and private workers to access unemployment while on strike, so they aren’t starved into a bad contract.

Public employees, including school district, local government, and state workers, do not have the same access to strikes as private sector workers, which is why such strikes are so rare. Public employees are required to participate in a state regulated bargaining process that can take up to 210 days before a strike can even start. 

That’s why it’s so crucial that Oregonians stand together in this fight. Write your legislators today to win unprecedented protections for workers.

SEND A LETTER NOW

We cannot thank you enough for the diligent work you have done to support working Oregonians by championing this bill with us. We're halfway to victory; let's keep pushing and make history as the first state to fully support striking workers, private or public!

If you have already written both your House and Senate representatives, consider making a call to increase the pressure.