A growing number of states are proposing legislation to extend unemployment insurance to striking workers: State legislation making striking workers eligible for unemployment insurance, 2018–2024
| State | Bill number | Year | Bill details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | SB 799 | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 14 days | Vetoed |
| Connecticut | SB 938 | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 14 days | Introduced; Failed in Senate |
| Illinois | HB 4143 | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 14 days | Introduced |
| Massachusetts | S1172 | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 30 days | Introduced |
| New Jersey | A 3861 | 2018 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 30 days | Enacted |
| A 4772 | 2023 | Reduced UI waiting period from 30 days to 14 days | Enacted | |
| New York | S 4573 | 2019 | Reduced UI waiting period from 7 weeks to 14 days | Enacted |
| A 1443 | 2024 | Reduces UI waiting period from 14 days to 7 days | Introduced | |
| Ohio | SB 180 | 2023 | Allows striking workers to apply for up to 4 weeks of retroactive UI benefits | Introduced |
| Bill number pending | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 14 days | Pending introduction | |
| Pennsylvania | HB 1481 | 2023 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 30 days | Introduced |
| Washington | HB 1893 / SB 5777 | 2024 | Workers eligible for UI if on strike for more than 7 days | Introduced |
Source: Author’s analysis of state legislation.