Senators debated Senate Bill 916, which would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits after two weeks, with opponents warning the measure would shift costs to businesses and public agencies and supporters arguing it strengthens worker protections.

The debate focused on the bill’s potential financial impact. Senate Republican Senator Bonham said the measure would be “a gift for donors at public’s expense,” citing an Oregonian editorial and arguing that the bill would raise costs for private employers and public agencies. “Going on strike is a voluntary action. Getting laid off, however, is not voluntary,” Bonham said.

Senator Weber echoed concerns about the strain on the Oregon Unemployment Insurance Fund and said public employers ultimately could be required to reimburse benefits issued to striking workers. “We must be cautious in our actions, especially when it comes to potentially undermining the purpose of unemployment insurance,” he said.

Senator Starr framed the bill as shifting costs to small businesses and schools, saying it would force school districts and taxpayers to shoulder higher unemployment insurance taxes. “This bill would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits, forcing small businesses across our state to shoulder higher unemployment insurance taxes,” Starr said.

Senator Brock Smith described the measure as “political payback,” and cited a figure for a recent Portland Public Schools strike: “Portland Public Schools alone would have to shell out $8,700,000 in unemployment benefits for last year’s month-long teachers strike,” he said, arguing that the bill would divert classroom dollars.

The transcript records extended floor remarks from both supporters and opponents but does not record a final vote on SB 916 in this session excerpt. Senators noted that the bill is headed for a vote in coming floor sessions.

Discussion-only points included the bill’s potential effects on the unemployment insurance fund, whether reimbursement would fall to public employers, and assertions that no other state currently allows public employees to collect unemployment while on strike. Speakers repeatedly contrasted strikes (voluntary) with layoffs (involuntary) when assessing eligibility for unemployment benefits.

No formal action (motion or final passage) on SB 916 is recorded in the supplied transcript excerpt.