The Employment Security Department is prepared to support individuals and businesses impacted by the ongoing strike at Boeing, which started on September 13, 2024. The strike will persist until an agreement is reached between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Details regarding benefit eligibility for affected workers are available.
For workers involved in the strike, eligibility for unemployment benefits will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Workers can apply for benefits through eServices and must continue filing weekly claims while awaiting a decision.
Typically, workers who are on strike do not qualify for unemployment benefits. A worker may be classified as on strike if:
– Their union is participating in the strike.
– They are picketing or striking, regardless of their union membership.
– They are a picketing contractor.
– They refuse work when it is available.
– They strike at the directive of their union representative.
– They choose not to cross a picket line when work is available.
Workers who stand to benefit from the negotiations of the current contract are also considered part of the labor dispute, even if they are not actively on the picket line.
For those who were laid off prior to the strike, the following applies:
– If you are not a striking machinist and lack a scheduled return to work date, your unemployment benefits will cease the day you return.
– If you are a striking machinist with a scheduled return date while the strike continues, you will be recognized as on strike starting from your intended return date.
Regarding claims for the week of September 8, 2024, individuals who worked up until Friday, September 13, may have earned too much to qualify for benefits that week. It is advisable to check the Earnings Deduction chart to confirm eligibility and consider applying for benefits covering the week of September 15 to September 21, which marks the first complete week of the strike.
For identity verification, those setting up a new eServices account must ensure they have their social security card and a driver’s license or Washington state ID card. If verification fails, individuals should upload copies of both documents to the secure upload portal.
Businesses affected by the strike and considering reducing employee hours can explore the SharedWork program, which has assisted numerous businesses over the last 40 years in retaining skilled employees during challenging times.