Minnesota Lawmakers consider legislation to give striking workers unemployment insurance

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota DFL lawmakers are unveiling legislation aiming to expand unemployment benefits for striking employees. 

Representative Kayla Berg (DFL-Burnsville) and Senator Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis) spoke on the House floor, joined by the UAW local 123 and the Minnesota AFL-CIO, about the bill on Tuesday. The bill would provide striking workers access to unemployment insurance. However, lawmakers note the unemployment payments would be paid out to "uncommon" strikes that last longer than a week.

“As a proud rank and file union member, I know that unions provide workers with a strong voice in the workplace,” Rep. Berg said. “When workers come to the table to bargain in good faith for not just their own wages, benefits and safety, but for the good of their families, their communities and future workers in their industries, it helps the entire economy.”

WDAY Radio has reached out to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce for their thoughts on the proposed legislation.