ESD preview: three strikes, roughly $500,000 in benefits paid in first half of year

An actuarial analyst previewing the statutory striking‑workers report said the department's early review shows three strike events across three employers during Jan.–June, with about $500,000 paid out in benefits and roughly 120 payments.

"So we see we had 3 strikes across 3 employers with approximately $500,000 in benefits paid out, for a total of a 120 to a total of a 120 payments or so," said Vaughn Ellis, who outlined data sources and limitations the department will use to compile the annual report required through 2035.

Ellis told the committee the department will rely on two primary sources for historical strike activity — the Bureau of Labor Statistics work‑stoppage reports for major strikes and a Labor Action Report project (Cornell/Illinois) for more granular events — and that estimating Washington‑specific participant counts requires additional verification, including regional economist review and manual checks.

He said major strikes (for example, the 2024 Boeing action) dominate participant counts and benefit dollars, while smaller, more frequent strikes (notably in accommodation and food services) have many occurrences but smaller per‑strike benefit totals because of lower wages.

The department said the strike report will be produced annually through 2035 and will include strike occurrence, participant counts, industry breakdowns, benefit‑usage data, and estimated effects on employer tax rates and trust‑fund solvency.