(Read entire article on the AFLCIO website and send Governor Newsom an electronic letter here)
The decision to go on strike is not one that union members take lightly. Striking workers lose all income for the duration of their job action. Workers deplete their savings as bills pile up, rent and mortgages go unpaid, and debt accumulates. While strikes may demand significant sacrifices, workers should never have to endure hunger, homelessness, or bankruptcy due to temporary unemployment. Employers are well aware that their economic advantage peaks when striking workers deplete their savings. They hope that economic desperation will force workers to give in, returning to work without substantial gains.
A studio executive, speaking anonymously to Deadline, openly admitted to this strategy, stating, “Allow things to drag on until union members start losing their apartments and losing their houses.” California, however, does not need to empower bosses to pursue such a cruel agenda.
Right now, California prohibits striking workers from accessing unemployment insurance benefits that they’ve rightfully earned. It’s high time we change this draconian loophole. Other states, such as New Jersey and New York, have already taken this crucial step. California is a pro-union, pro-worker state— passing SB 799 is a common sense policy that’s proven to work.
Governor Gavin Newsom has the opportunity to sign Senate Bill 799 into law before October 14 to provide striking workers with unemployment insurance benefits.
Send a letter to Governor Newsom today urging him to sign SB 799 into law. Post on social media why YOU support striking workers receiving unemployment benefits with the hashtags #WeEarnedIt and #SB799.
No one should be unable to feed their families or lose their homes because they’re exercising their fundamental right to strike. Let’s urge Governor Newsom to side with working people and sign SB 799.
