Empowering Striking Workers Act

Summary#

This bill, the Empowering Striking Workers Act, would change federal unemployment rules so people who are employed but cannot work because of a labor dispute can receive unemployment compensation. The bill adds a new rule to the Internal Revenue Code (section 3304) saying such compensation is payable as though the person were unemployed starting on the earlier of: (A) 14 days after the strike began; (B) the date a lock-out began; (C) the date the employer hired permanent replacement workers; or (D) the date the strike or lock-out ended and the person became unemployed. The bill also changes the Social Security Act (section 303(a)(12)) to exempt these claimants from a work-availability requirement. The bill was introduced on September 8, 2025, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

What it means for you#

• If you take part in a strike, are locked out, or cannot work because of a labor dispute, you could be treated as unemployed for unemployment-pay purposes and may be able to receive benefits starting on one of the dates listed in the bill.
• If you cannot work due to a covered labor dispute, you would not have to meet the usual work-availability rule described in section 303(a)(12) of the Social Security Act.
• The bill applies to people who are indirectly unable to work because of a labor dispute as well as those directly involved.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text and metadata show sponsors introduced this measure to allow individuals engaged in labor disputes to receive unemployment compensation and to remove a work-availability barrier for such claimants.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.