One Week Unemployment Insurance for Striking Workers

[Bronson A3654]

Under the National Labor Relations Act, workers have a legally protected right to organize, collectively bargain, and strike to improve working conditions, benefits, and wages. However, these rights are undermined by extended waiting periods for essential benefits like unemployment insurance.

THE PROBLEM

• In New York State, workers eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) must wait only one week before receiving benefits. However, striking workers face a two-week waiting period for benefits to start. 
  • This disparity creates a significant financial burden for striking workers and weakens their ability to effectively exercise their rights to organize, collectively bargain, and strike.
• Recently, CWA healthcare workers went on strike for more than a month in Buffalo, NY. During almost half of this period, they were not eligible for UI benefits. As a result, our members were at a significant disadvantage and relied on our strike fund for basic necessities like food and rent. 

THE SOLUTION

• This bill reduces the suspension period for striking workers to apply for UI benefits from two weeks to one week. By aligning the waiting period with that of other eligible workers, this legislation ensures fair treatment, enhances the financial security of striking workers, and strengthens their right to organize, bargain, and strike without undue hardship.