Workers and businesses affected by the Boeing strike

ALERT:

The Employment Security Department stands ready to assist individuals and businesses affected by the strike at Boeing. This strike began on Sept. 13, 2024. It will continue until Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) reach an agreement.

Learn more about benefit eligibility for affected workers.

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.

Claiming benefits for the week of Sept. 8, 2024

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 to see if you earned too much already. Consider applying for the week of Sept. 15 to Sept. 21, the first full week of the strike.

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.

For over 40 years, the Employment Security Department has helped thousands of businesses retain their skilled employees during times of uncertainty.

Learn how you could reduce payroll costs with 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.
• Applying is easy! It takes only about 10 minutes.
• It’s easy to sign up! We can help your business today.