People looking for a job with state benefits may want to try Oregon. There are 46,253 budgeted positions at state agencies of which a whopping 19% were vacant. This is according to a report by employees union SEIU which represents 22,000 workers. In some agencies, the vacancy rate was as high as 30%. Overtime has increased to huge numbers as a result of worker shortages.
Data sourced from the Oregon Department of Administrative Services show that in 2022, 4,316 budgeted positions were vacant for more than half of the year. This created unspent funds to the tune of $610 million. These funds get redirected to other agencies. Union leaders want Oregon to prioritize fixing the woker shortage problem in the state government.
Oregon is the state’s largest employer with close to 45,000 workers. It is tough going between the political parties. Republicans and Independents must return to vote on the Senate floor before any change will be made. Budget bills are still expected to come from committees in the next couple of weeks.
Service Employees International Union 503 has put out a warning as it represents state employees. It warned of the effects that mandatory overtime has had on workers. According to it’s report, workers at the hospital made up 79% of all overtime and comp time hours worked under the Oregon Health Authority. Why, 62 of 179 licensed practical nurse and 17 of 49 psychiatric social worker positions are vacant, according to the report.
An economic forecast by state economists recently warned that Oregon is seeing slower job and population growth. This is on top of rising home prices and more residents needing state rental assistance. It is being reported that Oregon’s unemployment rate is low and the labor force participation rate has recovered.
