UI for striking workers awaits final vote

Senate and House legislators have worked out a compromise on SB 5041, which could be voted on as early as Friday

OLYMPIA, WA (April 24, 2025) — In the final days of the 2025 Legislative Session, SB 5041, allowing striking workers to collect unemployment benefits, has emerged from conference between Senate and House leaders and will be eligible for a vote in both chambers Friday morning.

The bill has been amended significantly since introduction. SB 5041 came out of the Senate with a 12-week benefit after a two week waiting period, a 10 year sunset, and a study on the economic impacts of the policy longterm. Once in the House, SB 5041 was amended on the floor by voice vote to a four-week benefit. This left the two chambers with a choice; the Senate could concur with the House’s amendment and allow the bill to pass in that form, both chambers could refuse to budge from their positions, and the bill could die, or both the House and Senate could agree to conference on a compromise.

Labor rallying in support of UI for striking workers at the State Capitol during the 2024 Legislative Session. Photo: WSLC

The latter option was chosen, and leaders met in conference this morning. Their compromise, released moments ago, includes a six-week benefit after a two-week waiting period, and retains previous sunset and study amendments.

“While this final form isn’t all that we hoped for, SB 5041 remains a meaningful step towards leveling the playing field during contract and union recognition fights and will help empower low-wage workers to win better working conditions,” said Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO President April Sims. “Many thanks to prime sponsor Senator Marcus Riccelli for his tireless work moving this vital policy forward.”

The WSLC also extended gratitude to leaders in the Senate and House, including Labor committee chairs Senator Rebecca Saldaña and Representative Liz Berry, as well as Representative Beth Doglio, who stepped up to sponsor a UI for striking workers bill in the 2024 Legislative Session.

Now all that remains is to pass SB 5041 from both the House and Senate before the session is slated to end on Sunday.

TAKE A STAND: The WSLC is calling on all labor supporters to send a final email to your legislators urging them to vote YES on SB 5041, unemployment insurance for striking workers, and help secure a win for working people this session.