Striking Worker Jobless Aid Up for Debate Beyond California Veto

Growth in union activity across the country may spur blue-state legislatures to pursue measures offering unemployment benefits to striking workers, despite Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent veto of a bill passed by California lawmakers.

Newsom (D) said the measure (SB 799) would put a financial strain on the state’s already ailing unemployment insurance trust fund, which owes nearly $19 billion to the US Treasury to cover what it borrowed to pay jobless benefits during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The measure vetoed Sept. 30 also would have tipped the balance of power to help workers and put pressure on employers during ...