Exploring the Possibility: Are Striking Workers Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
In Hawaii, a union worker may be eligible for unemployment insurance during a strike if the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations determines no work stoppage exists at the workplace, meaning that the business is still functioning normally. A claimant must also have earned qualifying wages within a specified period. This determination does not primarily focus on whether a worker is striking or not, but rather, if a work stoppage has occurred at the place of employment. Specifically, if enough employees strike to halt business operations, this would constitute a work stoppage and those employees would not be eligible for unemployment insurance. However, when the strike does not impact operations, striking workers might qualify for unemployment insurance on a case-by-case basis. Information is gathered from both your employer and union representatives to make this determination. Other income, including strike pay, sick pay, and vacation pay must be reported when striking workers file for unemployment insurance. EDDCaller.com is a tool that aids individuals needing to reach unemployment, paid family leave, or disability departments via phone, providing a more efficient route to getting through to representatives.