Strikers

Revised May 5, 2014

Purpose: 

This section explains how going on strike impacts a client's eligibility for Basic Food benefits.

WAC 388-480-0001 Does being on strike impact my eligibility for the Washington Basic Food program? 

Clarifying Information - WAC 388-480-0001 

  1. Non-strikers impacted by a strike:

    Examples of people who are not strikers but could be impacted by a work stoppage or slowdown include:

    • Truck drivers with nothing to deliver because of the strike;
    • Assembly workers idled because the bargaining unit on strike is not producing component parts;
    • Sales staff idled when the strike leaves them with no product to sell; and
    • Ticket agents idled at an airline when flights are canceled due to a pilot's strike.
  2. Work registration:

    If a striker receives Basic Food benefits, they must register for work unless they are exempt from the Food Stamp Employment and Training Program under WAC 388-444-0010 for reasons other than employment.

  3. Striker status for cash and medical programs:

    A client's striker status does not impact their AU's eligibility for cash or medical programs.

NOTE:

An AU member being on strike does not impact the AU’s allowable deductions for Basic Food.  This includes the earned income deduction for the striker’s income we count under WAC 388-480-0001.

 

Worker Responsibilities - WAC 388-480-0001 

  1. Request the necessary verification to establish the client is, or is not, participating in a strike.
  2. If an AU member is on strike, determine the amount of income to budget for the striker using the following steps:
    1. Compare the striking member's pre-strike income to their current income; and
    2. Budget the higher of these two amounts as that member’s income.
NOTE:

WAC 388-444-0010 explains who is exempt from work registration.

WAC 388-444-0015 explains the BFET program.

ACES PROCEDURES

See Interview - (DEM2) screen