SPOKANE, Wash. – A new bill in Washington could allow union workers to receive unemployment benefits while on strike if the strike is legal. Representative Marcus Riccelli is the primary sponsor of the proposed legislation aimed at supporting the working class in their fight for better wages.
Riccelli explained that the bill is intended to provide a more balanced playing field for workers. “This is really, in my opinion, a leveling of the playing field,” he said. He emphasized that the bill would allow workers to exercise their right to strike without the risk of financial ruin. “In my opinion, this is a way to allow exercising workers the right to strike, and to not go bankrupt or lose their homes,” Riccelli added.
If passed, the bill would enable union workers on strike to apply for unemployment benefits two weeks after the strike begins. With an additional mandatory one-week waiting period after applying, workers could start receiving checks as soon as three weeks into the strike. The average unemployment benefit in Washington is approximately $724 weekly, according to the Employment Security Department.
Despite reaching out to companies with organized unions, including Boeing, no comments were provided regarding the bill. Riccelli mentioned that the bill still needs to pass through the 105-day legislative session beginning January 13, and he remains optimistic about its prospects.
For more information on the legislative process and updates on the bill, visit the Washington State Legislature’s official website.
