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Striking Seattle hotel workers seek unemployment benefits under
Washington's new law
by Joel Moreno,KOMONewsReporterThu, July 16, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Updated Thu, July 16, 2026 at 5:48 PM
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Workers striking outside of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Seattle say they
are determined to follow through on demanding a better contract, as the
labor dispute nearly reaches a month. (Photo: KOMO News)
About 90% of the hotel workers who are on strike have applied for
unemployment benefits, due to a new state law that took effect at the
start of this year. (Photo: KOMO News)
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Workers striking outside of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Seattle say they
are determined to follow through on demanding a better contract, as the
labor dispute nearly reaches a month. (Photo: KOMO News)

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How much unemployment can Seattle hotel strikers receive under
Washington's new law?

What demands are Seattle hotel workers seeking from Hilton in their strike?

Why did Washington enact unemployment benefits for striking workers?

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SEATTLE rCo A new Washington law is changing the balance of power on the picket line.

Striking workers can now collect unemployment benefits while they're off
the job and taking part in a labor action. Outside of Embassy Suites by
Hilton in SeattlerCOs Pioneer Square, dozens of hotel workers are
preparing to collect unemployment benefits in a labor dispute that has stretched for nearly a month.

A new Washington law that took effect earlier this year allows eligible workers to receive up to six weeks of payments while participating in a
labor strike.

Union leaders with UNITE HERE Local 8 said approximately 90% of the 117 striking workers have applied for unemployment benefits and expect
payments to begin next week if the strike continues.

The strike began June 18 after contract negotiations with Hilton
stalled. The walkout came as thousands of visitors were arriving in
Seattle for the FIFA Men's World Cup matches.

The hotel workers are seeking higher wages, year-round health care
coverage, increased staffing levels, and better workplace protections.

Their previous contract expired at the end of May.

Washington became one of the first states in the nation to extend
unemployment benefits to striking workers when the law took effect Jan.
1. It allows eligible workers to collect unemployment after the second
Sunday following the start of a strike, followed by a one-week waiting
period.

Benefits are capped at six weeks, compared with the 26 weeks generally available to unemployed workers.

Supporters said the program gives lower-wage workers a financial
lifeline during labor disputes, helping them cover necessities such as
rent and groceries while they negotiate for a better contract.

Critics argued during legislative debate over SB 5041 that the law could encourage longer strikes and place additional financial pressure on
employers. Washington's unemployment insurance system is funded by
employers through state and federal unemployment taxes rather than
payroll deductions from workers' paychecks.

According to the Washington Employment Security Department, 142 striking workers received unemployment benefits between Jan. 1 and July 15, worth nearly $506,000.

That figure is expected to grow as the Embassy Suites workers begin
receiving benefits if no agreement is reached.

UNITE HERE Local 8 represents roughly 7,000 hospitality workers in
Washington and Oregon, including housekeepers, cooks, bartenders,
dishwashers, bell staff, drivers and food service workers.

In a previous email, a spokesperson for Hilton said they respect the
rights of both the union and their employees to express their views.

"We remain committed to negotiating in good faith toward a fair and
reasonable agreement that benefits both our valued Team Members and our hotel,rCY the spokesperson said in the earlier statement. rCLWe are also focused on providing our guests with our signature hospitality and have contingency plans in place to ensure operations continue to run as
smoothly as possible."

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The law providing unemployment benefits to striking workers is scheduled
to expire at the end of 2035.


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