WA lawmakers consider extending unemployment to striking workers

OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers are revisiting a bill that would extend unemployment insurance to workers on strike. The bill was reintroduced this year by Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, reviving debate among labor advocates and business associations.   

“Without a social safety net during a strike, workers are faced with tremendous pressures to end the strike quickly or never go on strike in the first place,” Riccelli said in public testimony. “I think this levels the playing field.”  

Senate Bill 5041, if enacted, would help offset lost wages by allowing employees who work 680 hours per year to have access to unemployment insurance after the second Sunday following the first day of a strike. The strike must be legal under federal law, and workers would be subject to a one-week waiting period before receiving payments.

According to the bill’s fiscal note, workers with an approved claim would receive an average of $800 in benefits per week for four weeks, based on their employer's experience rate.  

The bill was first proposed last session but failed to make it to the Senate floor with majority Republicans and some Democrats withholding support.  

Opponents, including Republican lawmakers and business associations, said the bill would significantly impact the state’s unemployment insurance system.  

“Unemployment insurance benefits are intended for people that are unemployed by no fault of their own, that have no job to return to, and that are able and available for work,” Lindsey Heurr of the Washington Association of Business said. “Striking workers do not fit these requirements.”  

Heurr argued expanding eligibility would increase the potential for strikes, which can lead to higher unemployment insurance premiums for employers contributing to the state’s fund. 

According to Riccelli, Washington’s unemployment trust fund is healthy with a balance of about $3.9 billion and 8.2 months of benefits available, confirmed by a 2024 Employment Security Department report.  

The department estimated that extending benefits would cost less than a 1% increase in the state’s total unemployment insurance expenditures with an anticipated $6 million impact on the fund per year, according to the fiscal note.  

Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, also expressed stern opposition, claiming the bill could disincentivize workers from negotiating in good faith.  

“If they had the option to file for unemployment benefits, I feel that their incentive to come to the table to work out an agreement would be taken away,” Warnick said. 

She explained that having access to benefits, in addition to strike funds provided by unions, may reduce workers’ sense of urgency to negotiate, potentially prolonging work stoppage.  

Labor advocates and proponents of the bill, however, emphasize that the decision to go on strike is often a last resort, requiring workers to temporarily lose wages to fight for better ones.   

“None of us should have to choose between our right to strike and care for our families,” said Jan Abapo, union member of Machinist District Lodge 751 and factory worker at Boeing.  

Jon Holden, president of Machinist District Lodge 751, explained the unemployment benefits would provide greater financial resources, allowing workers to successfully organize without the threat of financial ruin. 

“Balancing the field should lead to better negotiations and better outcomes, where people aren't forced to give up everything or give up everything,” Holen said.  

Joe Kendo, chief of staff for the Washington State Labor Council, added most unions do not have strike funds, and those that do often provide limited financial support, mainly for picket line expenses.  

Pearl Johnson, member of UNITE HERE Local 8 and room attendant at DoubleTree hotel, shared that she received just $300 a week in strike funds, relying heavily on food banks and credit cards to get by. 

Kendo argued that a more balanced power dynamic between employers and employees would incentivize more productive negotiations, faster contract agreements and greater worker empowerment.  

“Passing this bill is about recognizing the dignity of work and supporting those who take courageous action to improve conditions for all workers,” said Abapo.  

Nationally, New York and New Jersey have successfully enacted the extension with 15 more states, including Washington, introducing similar legislation.  

The bill was passed in the Senate Ways and Means Committee last week and has been referred to the Rules Committee for a second reading with a public hearing yet to be determined.