Washington is considering a law that would allow striking workers to be eligible for unemployment benefits under certain conditions. House Bill 5777 would apply to workers who are locked out of their workplaces during strikes. These individuals would have to wait a week before they can apply for unemployment insurance. The Bill follows a significant number of strikes both nationally and in Washington, with more strikes involving over a thousand workers taking place in 2023 than any other year since 2013. The legislation is strongly supported by unions in the state, citing its potential to ease the financial burden on low-wage workers during strikes. Critics argue that employers fund unemployment insurance, and worry that allowing striking workers to qualify could financially strain the program and businesses. However, supporters argue its impact on the state’s unemployment trust fund would be small. Currently, New York is the only state where striking workers can qualify for unemployment, but other states are beginning to consider similar legislation.