Oregon hearing examines bill to allow unemployment benefits for striking workers; agency estimates modest cost to UI trust fund

Senate Committee on Labor and Business members on Thursday heard hours of testimony for Senate Bill 916, which would remove an existing statutory disqualification that prevents workers from receiving unemployment insurance (UI) while they are unemployed because of a labor dispute.

The bill would amend Oregon law so that an individual who is otherwise eligible for UI benefits would not be disqualified for any week the Employment Department director finds the person is unemployed because of a labor dispute. The measure also declares an emergency and would be effective on passage.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change would ease a severe financial hardship that can force workers to accept worse terms in negotiations, while opponents warned it could weaken the balance in collective bargaining and put additional pressure on employers and the UI trust fund.

Representative Ben Bowman (House District 25), a sponsor’s supporter, told the committee the bill “repeal[s] the law blocking unemployment benefits to workers on strike” because of a “fundamental imbalance” between corporate power and working people. “This bill will help ensure workers can put gas in their cars, can afford groceries, and not fall into desperate financial distress just for standing up…