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SB 440

AN ACT CONCERNING UNEMPLOYMENT FOR STRIKING WORKERS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 6 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill would make striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits, shifting costs to employers while potentially strengthening union bargaining power during labor disputes.

FILE NO. 367
#employees #strikes #unemploymentcompensation #labordepartment
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Bill Summary · SB 440

Legislative bill overview

SB 440 would modify Connecticut's unemployment insurance rules to allow workers engaged in labor strikes to collect unemployment benefits. Currently, most states disqualify strikers from unemployment benefits under the theory that they voluntarily left work. This bill challenges that approach by treating strike participation differently from voluntary job abandonment.

Why is this important

This directly affects labor negotiations and worker financial security during labor disputes. Strikes are often ineffective when workers face immediate income loss, so this policy could shift bargaining power between employers and unionized workers. It also raises questions about how unemployment insurance funds—supported by employer contributions—should function during industrial conflict.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanding unemployment eligibility increases costs to the state's unemployment insurance trust fund, potentially raising employer contribution rates
  • Strike incentives: Critics argue that unemployment benefits reduce economic pressure on strikers, potentially extending disputes or encouraging more frequent strike action
  • Fairness concerns: Supporters contend current rules unfairly penalize workers exercising legal rights; opponents question why employers should subsidize strikes through their insurance contributions
  • Definition challenges: The bill would need precise language defining what qualifies as a "strike" versus other work stoppages to prevent abuse

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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