The California State Legislature passed a bill Sept. 14 that would allow workers to claim unemployment insurance benefits after striking for two weeks. The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) desk for his approval or veto. If Newsom signs the bill, it would take effect starting in January 2024.
California lawmakers previously advanced similar legislation in 2019, but the measure failed to pass the state Senate.
Currently, New York and New Jersey allow certain striking workers to collect unemployment insurance benefits. Other states like Connecticut and Massachusetts are also considering similar policies that would expand unemployment benefit eligibility to striking workers.
