UI Navigator funding extended

Innovative partnership between the state and local organizations provides support for workers using the state’s unemployment insurance system

OLYMPIA, WA (September 26, 2025) — A program helping thousands of workers access unemployment benefits has received funding from the state Legislature to continue serving Washingtonians after the end of a federal grant. The UI Navigators program, administered by the state’s Employment Security Department and housed in community-based organizations, helps remove barriers to accessing unemployment benefits, ensuring more workers are able to get support after losing their job — and providing education before workers ever face job loss.

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is one of nine UI Navigator organizations, along with fellow labor organization, Drivers Union, as well as community organizations Chinese Information and Service Center, Korean Community Service Center, La Oficina, Native Action Network, Neighborhood House, People for People, and TRAC Associates.

WSLC UI Navigator Michael Pichler, right, with former WSLC Workforce Development Director Kairie Pierce. Photo: ESD

A $2.1 million U.S. Department of Labor grant originally paid for the program, but after the federal grant ended in May 2025, the state Legislature announced it would fund the program for another year, effective July 1, 2025. ESD reports that since the UI Navigator program debuted in January 2024, the nine Navigator organizations have helped people in 58 counties and 288 cities or towns across Washington.

At the WSLC, UI Navigator Michael Pichler has helped thousands of workers. He’s provided one-on-one navigation support to more than 2,800 workers, held trainings and workshops educating more than 700 workers, and has shared thousands of materials with hundreds of workers at outreach events.

“The WSLC has worked hard to ensure Washington’s workers have access to the resources they need when facing job loss. The UI Navigator program has been essential in connecting workers to those supports,” said WSLC President April Sims. “We’re proud of what we and our partners have achieved since the program’s launch and grateful for this strong partnership with the dedicated public servants at the Employment Security Department. We look forward to continuing to provide this vital service to working families across our state.”

Pichler tabling at an outreach event. Photo: WSLC

Part of why this program is so successful is that many of the folks doing the on-the-ground work have themselves faced unemployment before. Previous reporting at The STAND dove into this connection for Pichler, who hit barriers when he had to apply for UI. That experience galvanized him to help other workers. (To schedule a training or get assistance, contact Michael at mpichler@wslc.org.)

“We’re thrilled that the Legislature recognized how valuable the UI Navigator program has been in these underserved communities,” Employment Security Commissioner Cami Feek said. “Over the next year, these community organizations and our staff have an opportunity to continue their momentum making big impact for Washington workers and their families.”