University of Oregon student workers strike raises unemployment eligibility questions

In a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Labor and Workplace Standards, discussions turned to the implications of student worker strikes, particularly focusing on unemployment benefits eligibility. The meeting, held on April 28, 2025, highlighted the complexities surrounding student workers who engage in strikes while balancing their academic commitments.

Chair Graber opened the dialogue by referencing a strike by student workers at the University of Oregon in Eugene. This prompted questions about whether these students would qualify for unemployment benefits. The response was nuanced: student wages earned while attending classes typically do not count towards unemployment insurance eligibility. If a student worker has no other income outside their campus job, they would not qualify for benefits, as their earnings do not meet the necessary thresholds.

However, the conversation revealed that students who had previously held full-time jobs and then transitioned to part-time work while studying might still be eligible for benefits, depending on their past earnings. This distinction is crucial for understanding how the system accommodates the unique circumstances of student workers.

Vice Chair Elmer shifted the focus to the tracking of overpayments within the unemployment system. The committee learned that data on overpayments is available, categorized by the reasons behind them—whether due to fraud, inaccurate information provided by workers, or situations where no fault was assigned. This transparency is vital for ensuring accountability within the unemployment benefits system.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the committee is actively seeking to address the challenges faced by workers, particularly those in educational settings. The discussions underscored the need for clarity in policies affecting student workers and the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent unemployment system.

The implications of these discussions extend beyond the meeting room, as they reflect ongoing efforts to adapt labor policies to the evolving landscape of work and education in Oregon. As student workers continue to navigate their roles in the workforce, the outcomes of these discussions may shape future legislation and support systems designed to protect their rights and livelihoods.