Oregon governor signs bill providing unemployment pay for striking workers

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/25/oregon-governor-signs-bill-providing-unemployment-pay-for-striking-workers/

By AP staff (AP)
June 25, 2025 9:23 a.m.

Democratic Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Tuesday signed into law a bill that provides unemployment benefits to striking workers, following neighboring Washington state in adopting measures spurred by recent walkouts by Boeing factory workers, hospital nurses and teachers in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon’s measure makes it the first state to provide pay for picketing public employees — who aren’t allowed to strike in most states, let alone receive benefits for it. It makes striking workers eligible to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks, with benefits capped at 10 weeks.

Only three other states — New York, New Jersey and most recently Washington state — give striking workers unemployment benefits. Washington’s bill, which passed in April, pays striking private sector workers for up to six weeks, starting after at least two weeks on the line.

Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday vetoed a bill that would provide financial help for striking workers, after vetoing a similar measure last year.

FULL story at link above.