Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers (SB 5777/HB 1893) — Rather than negotiate a fair contract, some employers weaponize the economic instability of workers — especially low-income workers — to force a strike and “starve them out.” Washington should join New York, New Jersey and Maine in allowing workers to access unemployment insurance after more than two weeks on strike. HB 1893 / SB 5777 will help level the playing field, discourage economic hardship as a bargaining strategy, and promote good-faith contract negotiations. — SB 5777 passed Senate Labor & Commerce; now in Rules. HB 1893 passed House Labor & Workplace Standards; now in Appropriations.
