Bill > SB5041

This bill modifies unemployment insurance benefits for workers involved in strikes, providing a more nuanced approach to how such workers can receive unemployment compensation. Under the new provisions, workers who are unemployed due to a strike at their workplace can now potentially receive unemployment benefits, with some key restrictions: benefits are limited to six calendar weeks, and the strike cannot be found to be prohibited by federal or state law in a final judgment. The bill also introduces a mechanism for employers to potentially mitigate the impact on their experience rating accounts by allowing voluntary contributions to offset benefit charges. Additionally, the legislation requires the state employment department to submit annual reports detailing strike information and their impact on the unemployment insurance trust fund, providing transparency and allowing for future policy adjustments. The bill includes provisions for mediation services and creates a new account to support labor dispute resolution services. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026, and are set to expire on December 31, 2035, allowing for periodic review and potential modification of the policy.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5041&Year=2025&Initiative=false