Washington Signs Law Providing Unemployment Benefits to Striking Workers

Washington state has enacted a new law allowing workers on strike to receive unemployment benefits, making it one of only three states to do so, alongside New York and New Jersey. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and provides up to six weeks of benefits after a waiting period of 15 to 21 days from the start of the strike. Labor advocates argue the law offers a social safety net that helps workers and their families meet basic needs during strikes, while also discouraging bad faith behavior by employers and encouraging fair negotiations. Opponents, including Republicans and business groups, worry the law could lead to longer strikes and strain the state's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The legislation was the result of multiple rounds of negotiation, balancing benefit duration and eligibility conditions, and is set to expire in 2035. State officials will monitor the law's impact on strike prevalence and the unemployment fund annually.