KENNEWICK, Wash. – In a move that could impact workers across the state, the Washington State Senate has approved a bill allowing striking workers to receive unemployment insurance.
The bill, sponsored by 19 Democratic Senators, proposes that workers can qualify for unemployment benefits after striking for two to three weeks. However, these benefits will be capped at 12 weeks.
Additionally, the bill removes disqualification for workers who cannot work due to employer lockouts within a multi-employer bargaining unit.
Workers who receive back pay for their time on strike will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
The Senate has approved the bill, and it now moves to the House for further consideration. This legislation comes as strikes continue to affect workers and companies across the United States.
For more information on the bill, you can visit Washington State Legislature’s website here.
