Oregon has passed a new law that makes workers on strike eligible for unemployment benefits. Specifically, after the first week on strike, striking employees are now eligible for up to 10 weeks of unemployment benefits.
Employees on a “lockout” are also eligible for unemployment benefits. “Lockout” means any refusal by an employer to permit employees to work as a result of a dispute with the employees affecting wages, hours or other terms or conditions of their employment.
The state senate previously rejected a version of the bill that would have provided up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits.
The law is effective January 1, 2026.