Oregon Set to Become 1st State in the Country to Offer Unemployment Benefits to Striking Private & Public Workers – KXL

SALEM, Ore. — Come January 1st, 2026 Oregon will become the first U.S. state to allow both public and private sector employees to receive unemployment benefits while on strike.

SB 916 was hotly debated but signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek this summer.

It would allow for eligible striking workers to seek payments after a 2 week waiting period.  There would be a 10 week cap.  And if a deal is reached with employers that covers back pay, all benefits would have to be paid back.