Boeing strike information
On September 6, 2008, the International Association of Machinists #751 began a strike against The Boeing Company. Following is information about how unemployment benefits and employment services provided by the Employment Security Department and WorkSource centers are affected during a strike.Who qualifies for unemployment benefits during a strike?
Anyone who is on strike or refuses to cross the picket line of a striking union is not eligible for unemployment benefits.If you are locked out by your employer or if you are laid off due to lack of work because of the strike, you might qualify for unemployment benefits.
Applying for unemployment benefits
If you choose to exercise your right to apply for unemployment benefits, please file using the Internet: Internet application for unemployment benefits.Filing online provides you with the fastest service. If you do not have Internet access at home, computers are available free of charge at our local WorkSource offices to file your claim. Click here to find your nearest WorkSource office.
If you are not able to file your application using the Internet, you may apply over the phone at 800-318-6022 (toll free). Because of increased unemployment claims across the state, we are experiencing high call volumes at this time, so you should be prepared to be on hold for some period of time.
In some limited circumstances, you may file for unemployment benefits on paper. Claim forms are available at your local WorkSource office.
If you choose to file for unemployment benefits, please keep in mind that weekly "strike pay" received from the union does not count as income and does not have to be reported to Employment Security.
Additional information for striking workers
For answers to a variety of strike-related questions concerning unemployment-insurance benefits, review Frequently asked questions about labor disputes.Striking workers are not eligible for unemployment benefits. If you exercise your right to apply for unemployment benefits while you are on strike, you are not required to actively seek other work during the strike period.
Striking workers also are not required to attend the "Introduction to WorkSource Services" class at your local WorkSource center. If you receive a letter from WorkSource directing you to attend this class, call the WorkSource office using the contact information in the letter, and indicate that you are a Boeing machinist who is exempt from attending the class.
Striking workers who apply for unemployment benefits and receive an "Advice of Rights" letter should contact the unemployment-insurance telecenter at 800-318-6022.
General information about unemployment-insurance benefits
For information about how to file a claim, how long benefits last, eligibility requirements, etc., review Frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits.Referrals to job vacancies at Boeing
The Employment Security Department does not refer job applicants to positions that are vacant due to a strike.The department will continue to refer applicants to Boeing job orders that are not part of the machinists' strike.
Program available to help employers minimize layoffs
The Employment Security Department offers a program that may be of interest to employers whose business is slowing because of the strike, and who are considering layoffs.The Shared-Work Program allows an employer to reduce employees’ work hours, and the workers may (if eligible) receive partial unemployment benefits that replace a portion of their lost wages (not dollar-for-dollar).
This program enables employers to lower their payroll costs during an economic downturn while retaining a skilled work force. And just as importantly, it allows workers to maintain a steady and better income than if they were fully laid off and received unemployment benefits alone.
For more information, go to our Shared-Work Program Web site.
