Recent passage of Oregon Senate Bill 916 will allow striking workers unemployment benefits. Prior to the passage of SB 916, employees that were separated from employment under certain conditions, such as a lay off or a one-time mistake at work, would qualify for unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. Striking workers were excluded as they did not meet a qualifying reason to obtain benefits. The initial bill would have given striking workers up to 26 weeks but the final bill that passed limits benefits to 10 weeks. Oregon Senate Bill 916 Â
SB 916 is effective January 1, 2026.