Teamsters are celebrating the passage of Senate Bill 5041, legislation that will extend unemployment insurance (UI) to workers on strike in Washington State.

"This is a major victory for working families. Extending unemployment insurance to striking workers ensures that no one is forced to choose between standing up for their rights and feeding their family,” said Rick Hicks, President of Teamsters Joint Council 28. “Strikes are always a last resort—nobody walks a picket line unless they’ve been pushed there by an employer demanding unreasonable concessions. This law protects not just union members, but the entire bargaining process.”

With the passage of SB 5041, Washington has joined New York and New Jersey to become the third state in the nation to extend unemployment insurance to striking workers.

“We’re leveling the playing field and giving workers the strength to fight for fair contracts even if they get forced to the picket line by their employers,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “This bill happened because Teamsters came together and demonstrated the same strength and solidarity in the halls of the state house that we demonstrate on the picket lines. Washington State is leading the way in protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, and us Teamsters are making that happen.”