Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes employees on strike or lockout access to unemployment insurance in the state of Washington.

Highlights:

• Requires the commissioner to disqualify any employees unemployed as a result of a strike from receiving unemployment benefits (Sec 1):

• Removes the provisions of existing legislation relating to lockouts;

• Requires that, 2 weeks after the beginning of a strike, or when the strike is terminated the commissioner restore unemployment eligibility;and

• Allows workers unemployed during a strike to receive 4 weeks of unemployment benefits.

• Requires that the employers’ experience rating account pay benefits provided to striking workers (Sec 2).

• Establishes a mechanism for the state to claw back unemployment benefits if a strike resolution provides back pay to previously unemployed workers (Sec 3).

Full Bill Text