Workers on strike are eligible for up to six weeks of benefits. Republicans, none of whom supported the bill, argued the legislation unfairly tilts the bargaining table toward striking workers at their employer’s expense. Providing (benefits) for striking workers will level the playing field by encouraging employers to bargain in good faith and making it harder for bad bosses to starve workers out." New said ultimately there is no incentive for striking workers to end a walkout sooner, when they’re getting a paycheck to hold a sign on the picket line. The vast majority of new claims for unemployment are not being made by striking union workers.