In Major Power Shift, State Senates in Washington, Oregon Pass Bills Allowing for Striking Workers to Collect Unemployment Benefits

On March 7^th, the Washington State Senate recently passed SB 5041, a bill to make striking workers eligible for unemployment insurance. SB 5041 allows those unemployed due to a strike to receive up to 12 weeks of unemployment insurance following a strike. Benefits would kick in 15-21 days after the strike begins. The bill is now moving to the state House of Representatives.

Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), the bill’s sponsor, stated:

“Workers deserve to be able to exercise their right to collectively bargain for fair wages and safe workplace conditions… This is a practical, low-cost step to ensure workers are not intimidated out of exercising that fundamental right because they are worried about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their head.”

Then on March 20^th, the Oregon State Senate passed SB 916 which allow for unemployment benefits for workers still on strike after a two-week waiting period. On the Bill, Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor said:

 “The passage of Senate Bill 916 is a major win for working people because the economy and the system that we work with in it is so imbalanced.”

LUEL stands in support of the passage of unemployment benefits to striking workers. Bills like this level the playing field for workers against the repression of the bosses as workers inability to sustain themselves and their families is a leading cause of strikes failing. Unemployment benefits would also lessen the burden on strike funds making unions more financially stable.