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Legal & Employment Guidance

RIF Resources

Occasionally, despite our best efforts, education employers state that they are going to implement a reduction-in-force (RIF). In the event of RIF, your union is here to connect you to resources and supports.
By: Oregon Education Association
Published: July 1, 2024

Losing a job is one of the most emotionally fraught experiences anyone can go through, and during this stressful time, your union is here for you. On this page, we’ve listed resources that you may find useful, including information about labor community support programs, unemployment insurance, COBRA benefits, NEA Member Benefits and contact information for personal assistance navigating the days ahead.

In the event of a RIF, make sure you do the following:

  1. Contact Your Union: Speak with your local leadership to clarify the employer's next steps and the veracity of the budget shortfall causing the RIF.
  2. Review your contract. Review the section of the contract related to Reduction In Force to know what the guidelines and timelines are, including rights related to seniority, or skill & ability.
  3. Utilize Your Union Resources: If you get official written notification that your job is being eliminated due to a reduction in force, make sure to utilize the resources you have as an OEA member to support you

Labor Community 

OEA is working with Labor’s Community Service Agency (LCSA), a partnership program of Oregon unions & the United Way that supports working families through a mix of health and human services, referrals and grant programs. Here are two programs you can access: 

Rapid Response Dislocated Worker Program provides layoff transition professionals to bring laid off members information and resources for unemployment insurance filing, health insurance coverage next steps, and community resources. 

Helping Hands supports members unable to make ends meet due to temporary loss of income or hardship. Qualified families receive help in paying rent or utilities during a layoff or hours reduction, medical emergency or other short-term hardship. 

To apply, please email Evan Wickersham at [email protected], and provide your name, local union, layoff date and contact information. 

Unemployment Benefits 

Unemployment benefits are available as soon as your layoff takes effect if you meet certain eligibility standards (amount of earnings or time worked). When your employment ends, you must contact the unemployment office again to claim each week of unemployment. Your first week claimed is a “waiting week.” Benefits begin for your second week of actual unemployment.

IMPORTANT: File a claim for unemployment benefits as soon as you receive notice that you will be laid off, even though you are still working. You may file a claim either online at unemployment.oregon.gov or by calling your local unemployment insurance center. 

Weekly benefit amounts vary depending on your earnings. The length of time your benefits may continue depends on federal legislation, but in Oregon unemployment benefits are generally available for up to 26 weeks. Laid-off school employees qualify for benefits during the summer. 

COBRA Benefits 

After a layoff, a federal law (COBRA) entitles you to continue group health benefits on a self-pay basis. COBRA rights generally continue for 18 months. Your employer will send you a detailed notice of your COBRA rights. You will have 60 days after that notice to choose to continue your insurance. Be sure to complete all paperwork for unemployment and COBRA in a timely manner. 

NEA/OEA Member Benefits 

Maintenance of NEA and OEA member benefits is tied to membership status. Your membership is in general tied to your employment status, but OEA has a variety of other membership options. Please reach out to your local OEA staff for more information on the types of memberships available to you past your employment date or call OEA at 503-684-3300. If you have any kind of insurance policy or credit cards through NEA Member Benefits, when it comes time to renew them you will be required to be hold a membership to retain them. Access to NEA member discounts also requires a membership. Please call NEA Member Benefits for more details at 1-800-637-4636. 

OEA Legal Services 

Accessing OEA legal services related to an employment recall is available under various circumstances. Please call OEA Legal Services with any questions at 503-684-3300.

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