New WA law granting unemployment benefits to striking workers draws praise, concern

New WA law granting unemployment benefits to striking workers draws praise, concern

(The Center Square) – Depending on who you ask, Engrossed Senate Bill 5041 – signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this week – is either a much-needed social safety net for workers and their families or something that…

Recently, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB5041, which qualifies workers for unemployment insurance during the strike. This will make Washington the third state in the United States to pass such a bill after New York and New Jersey. The unemployment benefits will be paid within 15 to 21 days after the start of the strike, depending on the date the strike begins. However, Washington Democrats said that if an agreement is reached before t…