As the 83rd Oregon Legislative Session approaches its end, several employment-related bills are still in play, and they could carry significant implications for businesses across the state. While none have been signed into law yet, the momentum behind them makes this a critical time for employers to pay attention and speak up.

Three proposals—SB 916, HB 2957, and SB 426—stand out for their potential to reshape the employer-employee landscape, increase litigation exposure, and raise costs across industries.

• SB 916 would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks, a move that could shift financial burdens from unions to employers and incentivize longer or more frequent strikes. Oregon would become one of just four states that allow workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits.
• HB 2957 eliminates the 90-day window to sue after a BOLI complaint is dismissed, allowing employees to wait up to the full five-year statutory period to file a lawsuit, even if they’ve already gone through the agency process. The bill also prohibits employers from entering into agreements that limit an employee’s timeframe to bring lawsuits in cases in which BOLI has jurisdiction.
• SB 426 permits workers or third parties to hold general contractors and property owners strictly liable for wage violations committed by subcontractors, regardless of whether the general contractors had knowledge of the violations.

Key Takeaways:

• Striking workers could soon receive unemployment benefits, potentially extending work stoppages and leading to increased employer contributions to unemployment insurance.
• Employers may face years of legal uncertainty under HB 2957, with prolonged exposure to harassment or discrimination claims—even after BOLI review and dismissal.
• General contractors and property owners could be liable for subcontractor misconduct, complicating risk management in construction projects and likely increasing the costs of real estate activity in the state.
• Business groups are advocating for amendments, but the clock is ticking, with the legislative session wrapping up Friday, May 23.
• Now is the time for employers to engage—it is easier and more effective to speak up now before these bills become laws.

Stay Informed and Take Action

If your business could be affected by any of these bills, now is the time to contact your Oregon legislators to share your thoughts and concerns. You can find your representatives here.

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