Striking Workers Get Unemployment | Seattle News

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

Washington state is handing out unemployment benefits to striking union workers — over half a million dollars paid in just seven months — sparking debate over whether it empowers labor or strains the economy. The program gives picketers up to six weeks of pay to stay on the job, aiming to level the bargaining field and pressure employers into fair deals. Supporters see it as a tool for justice; critics warn it could prolong strikes, hurt businesses, and threaten the solvency of the unemployment fund — with projections suggesting payouts may soon exceed employer tax contributions. A final…