Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2025
Summary
The "Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2025" aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act. The amendment would allow individuals engaged in labor disputes, including strikes and lockouts, to receive unemployment benefits. This includes those indirectly affected by such disputes and sets specific dates for benefit eligibility.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would provide financial support to striking workers through unemployment benefits. This could strengthen the bargaining power of unions and workers during labor negotiations. It may also incentivize more frequent or longer strikes.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial support to workers during strikes and lockouts.
- Potentially strengthens the bargaining power of labor unions.
- Offers a safety net for workers indirectly affected by labor disputes.
- May lead to improved working conditions and wages.
- Could stimulate local economies during strikes as workers have income to spend.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could increase the duration and frequency of strikes.
- May strain state unemployment insurance funds.
- Could create an incentive for workers to strike rather than negotiate.
- May increase costs for businesses, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers.
- Could be seen as government intervention in private sector labor disputes.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare. This could be interpreted to allow for unemployment benefits during strikes. However, some might argue that it interferes with the freedom of contract and the balance of power between employers and employees, potentially raising due process concerns under the Fifth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).