RENTON, Wash. — As the Boeing machinists' strike enters its second week, IAM District 751 issued a warning to members considering applying for unemployment: that workers on strike typically do not qualify.
Over 33,000 workers represented by the union have been striking since Sept. 13 after 94% of workers voted to reject a tentative agreement with Boeing, and 96% voted to strike. Mediated negotiations between the union and the company will resume on Sept. 27 after breaking down over a week earlier.
Matt Jensen with the Washington State Employment Security Department said because the union is the "moving party," or in other words, the group that initiated the work stoppage, there are no provisions under the law that would allow striking workers to access unemployment benefits.
There are instances where employees may be fired or otherwise separated from a company while a strike is ongoing. In that instance, the worker may be eligible for benefits. Jensen stressed that each application is addressed on a case-by-case basis.
More information from ESD about the Boeing strike can be found here.
The strike is entering its second week - however, workers won't get strike pay until week three. Union members will receive $250 a week for the duration of the contract negotiations. A majority of that money comes from the IAM Grand Lodge, with an extra $50 supplemented from District 751.
The union previously stated that their goals included a 40% wage increase over the length of the new contract, reinstatement of a pension program and better healthcare options. The company's latest offer included a 30% wage increase and increased contributions to both union and company 401k plans - however, it did not include bringing back the pension plan.