July 27th 2023.
With the labor movement gaining momentum across the country, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania is introducing legislation to provide support to striking workers. The Food Secure Strike Act of 2023 seeks to repeal a restriction preventing striking workers from receiving SNAP benefits, protect food stamp eligibility for public-sector workers fired for striking, and ensure households can receive SNAP benefits even if a member is on strike.
“The union way of life is sacred,” said Fetterman. “It is critical for us to protect workers’ right to organize, and that includes making sure they and their families have the resources to support themselves while on strike.”
When workers go on strike, they often go without pay. While union strike funds sometimes provide a stipend, it can’t compare to the wages they’d usually earn. SNAP benefits are essential for striking workers and their families to help them get through the struggle. “It’s good to see lawmakers attempting to correct the wrongs of the past by reinstating a benefit for striking workers that never should have been taken away in the first place,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien.
The Teamsters this week reached a tentative agreement with UPS after months of negotiations. Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers and truckers union are preparing potential strikes in cities across the country. In California, hotel workers are on strike alongside Hollywood writers and actors.
The writers’ demands include protections from artificial intelligence, pay increases, and higher staffing requirements. Disney CEO Bob Iger has been one of the highest-profile critics of the strikers, saying they are “being unrealistic.” Iger has previously faced criticism for inadequate compensation and benefits for Disney’s 30,000 workers.
Fetterman has strong support for his bill in the House and Senate, with many Democrats signing on. “We are in a historic moment for worker power,” said Senator Cory Booker. “We must remain united in our support of workers’ well-being as they continue to fight for better conditions.”
The legislation is a reminder of the importance of protecting workers’ right to organize. It is the responsibility of lawmakers to ensure that no worker has to choose between fighting for fair working conditions and putting food on the table.
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