Catherwood LibraryILR School

State senators in California have proposed a senate bill that would provide striking workers with unemployment benefits after they have been on strike for two weeks. California’s unemployment benefits provide affected workers with $450 each week for up to a maximum of twenty-six weeks. California lawmakers previously proposed the same senate bill, but it was vetoed by the governor, stating that California could not take on additional debt. Supporters of the bill claim that it would reduce the economic hardships felt by striking workers, and also would reduce the losses of local businesses that are dependent on the business of striking workers. Various groups support the bill, including the California Labor Federation and many labor unions. The bill is opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce, and farm, grocery, and hospital associations. Opponents stated that being on strike versus being unemployed and searching for a job are different situations, and striking workers do not meet the requirements to receive unemployment benefits.