ALERT:
Workers and businesses affected by the Boeing strike
UPDATED: Sept. 26, 2024
We are ready to help individuals and businesses affected by the strike at Boeing that began Sept. 13, 2024.
Learn more about benefit eligibility for affected workers and employers.
Affected workers
We decide case by case if workers in a labor dispute qualify for unemployment benefits. Use eServices to apply for benefits and keep filing weekly claims while you wait for our decision.
Striking workers
Workers on strike usually are not eligible for unemployment benefits. We may consider you on strike if:
- Your union is on strike.
- You picket or strike, even if you're not a member of the union or bargaining unit.
- You picket or strike as a contractor.
- You refuse work for any reason if work is available.
- You strike because your union representative told you to.
- You refuse to cross a picket line when work is available.
- If you will benefit from the results of the contract being negotiated, you are still considered part of the labor dispute. You may be determined to be on strike even if you are not on the picket line.
Workers laid off before the strike
You may have been laid off or otherwise separated from Boeing before the strike began. If you are either:
- Not a striking machinist and do not have a scheduled return to work date: Your unemployment benefits end the day you return to work.
- A striking machinist, have a scheduled return to work date and the strike is still going: The day you were to return to work is the day you we consider you on strike.
Temporary layoffs, standby and partial unemployment
Workers affected by temporary layoffs or partial unemployment may qualify for benefits with different requirements. This depends on whether the worker is eligible for standby or their employer participates in SharedWork.
Affected workers need to ask their employer or union if they participate in SharedWork.
Claiming benefits for the week the strike began
If you worked during the week up to Friday, Sept. 13, you likely earned too much to be eligible for benefits for the week. Check the Earnings Deduction chart. Consider applying for the week of Sept. 15 to Sept. 21, the first full week of the strike.
Unemployment application confirmation
If you apply, you get a confirmation when you hit the "Submit" button. If you gave us permission to contact you by email, you also get an email confirmation.
Please note that filing a claim does not automatically result in benefits. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis for workers in a strike.
Unemployment claim determination
After your application is reviewed, you get an Unemployment Claim Determination letter. This letter tells you how much money you could potentially receive. To actually receive money, you need to file weekly claims and meet eligibility requirements for that week.
Identity verification
If you need to register a new eServices account, you may need to verify your identity. Make sure you have your social security card and your driver’s license or Washington state ID card. If we tell you that we were unable to verify your identity, upload a copy of both to our secure upload portal.
Affected businesses
If you are reducing workers’ hours due to the strike, try SharedWork.
- SharedWork helps stabilize businesses during temporary economic setbacks.
- Employers keep their workforce intact by temporarily reducing hours to save payroll costs and keep the businesses operating.
- SharedWork pays employees a prorated percentage of unemployment benefits.
- Eligibility is open to most businesses and industries.