UI for striking workers signed into law

Governor Bob Ferguson signed the legislation on Monday in Olympia

OLYMPIA, WA (May 20, 2025) — Legislation allowing workers on strike to collect unemployment benefits is now law in Washington, with Governor Bob Ferguson signing SB 5041 on Monday flanked by a crowd of union members and labor leaders. Similar laws already exist in New York and New Jersey.

The law, which allows for up to six weeks of benefits after a waiting period, will go into effect on January 1. A hard-fought policy win for working people, the bill signing was lauded as a significant step towards leveling the playing field when workers organize their union or bargain a contract.

Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), Gov. Bob Ferguson, and WSLC President April Sims pose for a photo at the bill signing. Photo: WSLC

“Providing UI for striking workers will level the playing field by encouraging employers to bargain in good faith and making it harder for bad bosses to starve workers out,” said Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO President April Sims. “UI benefits will help striking workers survive while they fight for the union contract that will help them thrive. We’re grateful to Sen. Riccelli for his leadership on this bill, and to all the legislators who listened to working people and supported its passage.”

Union members and labor leaders attended the bill signing on Monday. Photo: WSLC

For workers, this new law is a bright spot on the horizon.

“Our goal, as union members, is never to go on strike. Negotiating for months past a contract expiration is costly and unnecessary and we shouldn’t have to withhold our labor in order to get a fair contract,” said Callie Allen, a registered nurse in the Family Birth Center at Multicare Valley Hospital in Spokane Valley. “However, if we do have to strike, we deserve this kind of support. This legislation is a big win for working families and union members here in Washington! Hopefully this will motivate employers to negotiate fair contracts quickly so the days of labor strikes can be put behind us.”