Investment ensures adequate staffing for critical road maintenance
The Oregon State Senate followed the House’s vote and passed a package on Monday, September 29 to keep the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) funded; this comes at a critical time as we approach winter, when roads need constant maintenance.
The bill’s passage protects nearly 500 jobs and ensures the agency can continue its vital work. The legislature ended their regular session in June without passing a funding bill for the agency, leaving hundreds of essential jobs in limbo.
This process has been long and rife with uncertainty. After Senator Chris Gorsek (Gresham) – who had pledged support for the bill – was hospitalized for an extended period after a medical procedure, the Special Session had to be postponed until he was ready to come to the Capitol for a vote. However, 12 other legislators could have voted to approve the measure to protect Oregon roads, but refused to do so.
“Legislators did the right thing to keep Oregonians safe,” said Jason Lawrence, vice-president of SEIU 503 ODOT Sublocal 730. “This funding keeps experienced ODOT crews on the job – repairing roads, clearing hazards, and responding when emergencies happen – so families, school buses, and commerce can drive safer all year round, especially in winter when snow can make traveling dangerous.”
Layoffs were initially slated for July 31st, however, our members’ solidarity and union power pressured Governor Kotek’s office to delay layoffs until October to allow time for lawmakers to pass a budget proposal.
ODOT workers’ duties include work most of us take for granted: fixing roads, removing hazards and debris that can otherwise lead to accidents, winter preparation, and traffic control. They are also often the first on scene at crashes, particularly in rural Oregon, providing assistance and securing the area until police and emergency medical teams can arrive.
What this means:
- Protects nearly 500 jobs that maintain and operate Oregon’s transportation system.
- Ensures adequate staffing for seasonal maintenance and winter readiness, particularly in rural Oregon.
- Strengthens incident response, with crews often first on scene to assist until law enforcement and EMS arrive.
- Supports safer travel for communities, especially rural Oregon, as weather conditions worsen.
Governor Kotek is expected to sign the bill.