Washington Pays Striking Workers | Seattle News

Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 11, 2026 · 1m

Washington just became the first state to pay striking workers unemployment benefits — a bold new law that’s already sent $500K to 138 people on the picket line. Union members can now get financial support for up to six weeks, giving them real leverage in contract fights. Workers at Seattle’s Hilton Embassy Suites are among the first to apply, demanding better pay, healthcare, and staffing — ready for a long haul. Passed by Democrats last year without Republican support, the law aims to empower low-wage workers by removing the financial pressure that forces them to accept bad deals. The state…