LOC News
LOC Testifies Against Proposed Employment Rules
The LOC participated in public hearing held by the Oregon Employment Department (OED) this week and provided criticisms of proposed administrative rules implementing legislation passed this year allowing striking workers to collect unemployment.
While SB 916 allows workers who are temporarily unemployed to collect unemployment insurance, the bill does not exempt those workers from other eligibility requirements. State and federal law requires individuals seeking unemployment insurance benefits to actively seek employment, be able to work, and to accept appropriate work when offered. However, the rules as drafted exempt workers from those requirements, and the LOC believes this exceeds the requirements of SB 916.
Cities wishing to provide written comments to the OED must do so by December 5.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist – swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 11/21/25