Unemployment Proposals Could Have Impact on Ag

Every legislative session, there are bills and proposals in Olympia that don't appear at the onset to impact the farming community.  However, these pieces of legislation can have unintended consequences that have a big impact on ag operations, regardless of the size.  One of those proposals, Senate Bill 5041, would provide unemployment insurance benefits for striking or lockout workers.  Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association says such a proposal would be concerning for any industry within the state.

"But you know during time sensitive harvest, a financial incentive to extend labor actions that could stop production at critical periods is a concern," DeVaney said.  "As well as greatly expanding the cost to the unemployment system, which is already expensive in our state."

DeVaney said while this proposal maybe well intended, it’s poorly timed since so many farmers and other industries across the state are struggling.

Click Here to learn more about SB 5041.

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