Seattle Strikers Get Unemployment Boost | Seattle News

Seattle hotel workers are striking for better pay, healthcare, staffing, and safety — and a new Washington law is giving them a powerful boost. Effective January 1, workers on strike can now collect unemployment benefits, making this one of the first states in the nation to do so. After their contract expired in May, negotiations with Hilton stalled, leaving 117 workers without pay — but with this new law, nearly 90% have applied and could start receiving payments soon. The program, funded by employer taxes, has already paid out $506,000 to 140 workers since its launch. Set to expire in 2035, this policy is reshaping labor dynamics in Washington, giving workers unprecedented leverage in contract battles. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/de1ac265413f87e9