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.

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.

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.