New Data Shows Washington Paying Unemployment to Striking Workers

Washington has now paid more than $565,700 in unemployment benefits to striking workers under the state's new law, according to the latest figures from the Employment Security Department. Since January, 151 workers have received benefits during labor disputes, totaling 741 weeks of payments. In this episode, we examine how the new law is impacting Washington's unemployment insurance fund, why critics say it changes the purpose of unemployment benefits, and concerns that employers could eventually face higher payroll taxes if the fund falls below its required solvency level. We also hear from Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center, who discusses how the benefit may be extending labor strikes and what it could mean for employers and taxpayers moving forward. Stories in this episode: Washington unemployment benefits Striking workers Labor disputes Employment Security Department Washington Policy Center Elizabeth New Employer payroll taxes Unemployment insurance fund Hilton Embassy Suites strike Washington labor law #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #LaborUnion #StrikingWorkers #Unemployment #EmploymentSecurity #WashingtonPolitics #BusinessNews #Economy #WashingtonPolicyCenter #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus