When union workers go on strike, they not only don’t get paid – they also are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J., has introduced a bill that he hopes will change that.
The Empowering Striking Workers Act would allow workers to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits 14 days after going on strike. New Jersey and New York currently are the only two states where striking workers can apply for unemployment benefits following a 14-day waiting period. The proposed legislation also guarantees that workers on strike will not be required to seek other employment to receive their unemployment benefits.
“Any union worker knows that going on strike is always the last resort,” said Norcross, himself a union electrician. “Workers don’t want to be on the picket line -- they want to get back to work, reach a fair agreement and provide for their families. The Empowering Striking Workers Act will make sure no worker is forced to choose between standing up for their rights and putting food on the table.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasiio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), along with Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), is a cosponsor of the bill.
“The Empowering Striking Workers Act would provide an even playing field for workers and employers by ensuring striking workers can continue to collect unemployment benefits while negotiating with their employer,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., introduced the bill in the Senate.
“Workers must be able to meaningfully exercise their right to protest for better wages and benefits and cannot do so if their families are going hungry,” he said. “The Empowering Striking Workers Act ensures striking workers can receive the financial support they need while on the picket lines to help level the playing field with the corporate executives sitting across the table from them who continue to draw a paycheck.”
The AFL-CIO has endorsed the legislation, along with a number of labor unions, including the Communications Workers of America, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Steelworkers and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
“When employers refuse a fair deal for their employees, precipitating a strike, those workers give up paychecks to fight for all of us,” said Jody Calemne, director of advocacy for the AFL-CIO. “A fair economy depends upon the outcome of that fair fight, and the unemployment system should provide support for those on the picket lines. They’re out of work so that good jobs will proliferate. This is a common sense use for unemployment insurance.”
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