In the state of Oregon, is an employer required to pay an hourly employee the same or similar benefits given to other employees

It depends. It is common for differing employees to have different levels of compensation based on the individual qualifications and negotiations. However, in certain circumstances, the different level of benefits could give rise to a claim for breach of contract or even discrimination. For example, if the employee received a handbook or policy manual with provisions regarding the denied benefits, or was told that he/she would be eligible for said benefits, the employee may have a valid claim for breach of an implied contract. In addition, if the denial of benefits is based on a discriminatory reason, the employee may have a valid discrimination claim if he/she were denied benefits based on his/her race, gender, national origin, age, religion, disability, etc.