Washington may become one of a few states that allow striking workers to qualify for unemployment benefits under certain conditions.
Under House Bill 5777, workers who walk off the job will qualify for unemployment if employers lock them out of their place of employment. Lockouts are one way management can pressure a striking workforce during contract negotiations. Workers experiencing lockouts would still have to wait a week before being eligible for unemployment insurance….
Over 200 people signed in to testify in support of HB 5777 during a Tuesday hearing on the legislation, said Sen. Karen Keiser, lead sponsor of the bill. Keiser is also a member of SAG-AFTRA, which pushed California lawmakers to pass similar legislation during last year’s historic Hollywood strikes — although it was vetoed by the state’s governor.