Support Memo: Protect Striking Workers

PROTECT STRIKING WORKERS
FOR INCLUSION IN THE BUDGET

S4476 Ramos/A3654 Bronson

The New York State AFL-CIO, representing 2.5 million union members, retirees, and their families, supports including the above-referenced issue in a budget agreement.

This bill amends section 592 of the Labor Law to reduce the current three-week waiting and suspension periods for workers who are on strike to be eligible for unemployment benefits. If enacted this bill will ensure that striking workers are eligible to file a claim for benefits with a one-week waiting period, like every other worker.

The National Labor Relations Act codifies that workers have a right to strike to seek better wages, benefits, and conditions of employment, and it establishes a balance between the employer and employee leverage at the bargaining table. All too often the only way for workers to get their employers to bargain in good faith is to exercise their right to strike and often workers must go for extended periods without pay or benefits for themselves and their families.

Virtually all other claimants have a one-week waiting period to be eligible for unemployment benefits. The current two-week waiting period only applies to striking workers and amounts to a penalty for workers that exercise their federal right to strike. Restoring parity for striking workers on their eligibility for unemployment benefits will help alleviate the hardships that they endure and more importantly, ensure that New York State honors this vital labor protection.

Therefore, this Federation urges this above-referenced issue be included in a budget agreement.

For further information contact the Legislative Department at 518-436-8516.