(Salem, OR) -- Striking workers would be eligible for unemployment benefits under a bill that passed the Oregon Senate. Supporters say it's needed, because of deep pockets by huge corporations. Oregon would become the first state to also include public employees, and that drew concern from some Democrats, because of impacts on local governments. Republicans say striking is a choice and shouldn't be rewarded with unemployment benefits. Under the bill, workers would have to strike longer than two weeks. If the new contract includes backpay, which is rare, unemployment benefits would have to be repaid.