FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2009

Contact: Michael Cox (503) 986-1904

 

House Votes to Help Thousands Keep Their Jobs

HB 3140 would expand Work Share benefits from 26 to 52 weeks

 

SALEM – House Democrats today passed HB 3140, helping thousands of Oregonians retain their jobs.  The bill, HB 3140, sponsored by thirty representatives, expands the successful Work Share program that helps Oregonians retain their jobs.  The bill came to the floor from the House Business and Labor Committee, chaired by Representative Mike Schaufler (D-Happy Valley).

 

“We need to preserve jobs, and extending the Work Share program will help,” said Representative Brent Barton (D-Clackamas), who carried the bill on the floor.  

 

The Work Share program encourages businesses to retain employees, rather than laying them off.  Companies can reduce workers’ hours by 20% to 40% and the reduction in salary is offset by the employee’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits.  

 

“This bill benefits everyone,” said Representative Brad Witt (D-Clatskanie), who was one of the bill’s chief co-sponsors.  “Employers retain skilled workers, avoid hiring costs and improve employee moral.  Employees retain their jobs, benefits and save the state money by not using their full unemployment benefits.”

 

Companies use the Work Share program to deal with brief downturns in the business climate.   Under HB 3140, companies will be secure knowing that employees are eligible for a full year of Work Share. 

 

“This is the bottom line,” said Representative Chip Shields (D-N/NE Portland), the bill’s other chief co-sponsor.  “This bill will help more working Oregonians stay in their jobs.”

 

HB 3140 now moves to the Senate.

 

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