LOC News
Oregon Employment Department Schedules Hearing on SB 916 Rules
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) will hold a public hearing on proposed administrative rules which would implement legislation passed earlier this year, allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits on November 19, 2025.
SB 916 makes Oregon the first state in the nation to pay unemployment insurance benefits to public employees and was opposed by the LOC during the 2025 legislative session.
The proposed rules go further than the bill required. To be eligible for these benefits, an individual must be willing to work, looking for work, and accepting appropriate work when it is offered. The proposed rules seek to exempt striking employees from these requirements, and doing so may be counter to federal law.
The LOC will be participating in the hearing and providing written comments by the December 5 due date.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist – swinkels@orcities.org
Last Updated 11/14/25