Pennsylvania’s senior U.S. senator is set to introduce legislation aimed at enabling striking workers to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Senator John Fetterman has teamed up with Representatives Alma Adams from North Carolina and Greg Cesar from Texas to unveil the Food Secure Strikers Act.
“The union way of life holds a sacred significance – it is the foundation upon which Pennsylvania and this nation were built.” Every single union worker walking the picket line needs to know that we have their back here in Washington’, stated Fetterman. “In order to safeguard the rights of workers to organise, it is essential that they are able to provide for themselves and their families even during a strike.” I take pride in spearheading the initiative that guarantees workers won’t have to sacrifice their fight for fair working conditions in order to provide for their families. There is a strong hope for the passage of this essential legislation during this Congress.
According to Fetterman’s office, striking workers and households are currently ineligible for SNAP benefits and can only receive assistance if they were already eligible prior to the strike.
Multiple unions have thrown their support behind the bill, with notable endorsements from the National Education Association and the Teamsters.
Labour unions played a crucial role in establishing robust safety nets and protections for workers across the nation. “We need to show our support for the workers who are on strike,” stated Adams. “Enabling strikers to utilise SNAP ensures they can prioritise feeding their families while advocating for equitable working conditions.”
“When workers choose to strike, it’s crucial that the government refrains from penalising them by cutting essential support like food stamps,” stated Congressman Greg Casar. “Individuals should not be forced to decide between exercising their right to strike and facing hunger.” It’s time to eliminate this law that opposes unions.
A proposed bill aims to eliminate the current restriction preventing striking workers from accessing SNAP benefits. If approved, it would ensure that any household meeting income eligibility criteria can receive SNAP benefits, even if a member is participating in a strike.
