Senate Bill 5041, Unemployment benefits for striking workers, House public hearing.

The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about Senate Bill 5041, which proposes extending unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to workers on strike and urge your opposition. This bill could significantly increase the financial burden on small businesses, as they would be required to fund UI benefits for striking workers, even though they are not unemployed due to economic downturns or layoffs.

The additional costs associated with this bill could lead to higher unemployment insurance premiums for all employers, regardless of their involvement in labor disputes. For small businesses operating on tight margins, these increased expenses may force them to make difficult decisions such as reducing the workforce or delaying growth plans. In turn, this could hinder job creation and negatively impact the local economy.

Furthermore, providing unemployment benefits to striking workers may prolong labor disputes as the financial pressure to reach a resolution is lessened. Extended strikes can disrupt local communities and economies, affecting not only businesses directly involved but also other small enterprises that rely on the patronage of these workers. This bill could inadvertently create an uneven playing field, placing small businesses at a disadvantage compared with larger corporations with more resources to absorb these additional costs.

​Please help small businesses in Washington State and oppose Senate Bill 5041