The following statement is from the USW Legal Department and based on the USW attorneys’ review of Texas law concerning unemployment compensation for strikers and confirmation of the accuracy of these statements with Texas AFL-CIO’s attorney, Rick Levy.

Statement Concerning Unemployment Compensation for Strikers in Texas

Due to a confusing statement on the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) web page, some USW members believe, or have been told by others, they are entitled to receive unemployment compensation, while on strike, if they quit the Union. This is not true.

Texas Labor Code Section 207.048 “Labor Disputes” plainly states that a person is disqualified for unemployment benefits if they have stopped work because of a labor dispute (strike) where they work.

                Section 207.048.  Labor Disputes

(a)An individual is disqualified for benefits for a benefit period in which the individual’s total or partial unemployment is caused by:

(1)The individual’s stoppage of work because of a labor dispute at the factory, establishment, or other premises where the individual is or was last employed.

IF YOU ARE ON STRIKE IN TEXAS,

YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION,

EVEN IF YOU QUIT THE UNION

Under Texas Labor Code Section 207.048 (b), the disqualification for unemployment benefits may be removed if you are not (1) participating in the strike at your work place, (2) providing financial support for the strike or (3) directly interested in the strike, and you are not in the class of workers who are on strike.

IF YOU ARE ON STRIKE IN TEXAS,

YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION,

EVEN IF YOU QUIT THE UNION