3 days Ago By NCPA Staff
Washington, D.C. — On March 26, U.
S. Senator John Fetterman joined Reps. Alma Adams of North Carolina and Greg Casar of Texas to introduce the Food Secure Strikers Act, which would allow striking workers to qualify for SNAP benefits.
“The union way of life is sacred — it’s what built Pennsylvania and this nation. Every single union worker walking the picket line needs to know that we have their back here in Washington,” said Sen. Fetterman.
“To protect workers’ right to organize, we must ensure they can put food on the tables for themselves and their families while on strike. I’m proud to lead the effort to ensure workers never need to choose between fighting for fair working conditions and feeding their families. I hope to see this critical legislation passed this Congress.
” Currently, striking workers and their households are excluded from SNAP eligibility and may not receive SNAP benefits unless they were already eligible prior to the strike. Striking workers often face financial problems due to the loss of income, especially non-union workers. The Food Secure Strikers Act would remove the restriction that bars striking workers from SNAP.
The legislation was co-sponsored by Sens. Alex Padilla, Calif.; Richard Blumenthal, Conn.
; Tina Smith, Minn.; Amy Klobuchar, Minn.; Ron Wyden, Ore.
; Kristen Gillibrand, N.Y.; Adam Schiff, Calif.
; Peter Welch, Vt.; Cory Booker, N.J.
; Ruben Gallego, Ariz.; Elissa Slotkin, Mich.; Martin Heinrich, N.
Mex.; Bernie Sanders, Vt.; and Martin Heinrich, N.
Mex. A House companion bill was introduced by Rep. Alma Adams, Rep.
Casar, and 34 cosponsors. “Labor unions were essential in building strong safety nets and worker protections in this country. It’s time we return the favor to our striking workers,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams.
“By allowing strikers to access SNAP, we help ensure they don’t need to choose between feeding their families or fighting for fair working conditions. Striking takes courage and supporting the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 is an important way we can show our solidarity to everyone on the picket line.” “If a worker goes on strike, the government shouldn’t punish them by taking away things like food stamps,” added Congressman Greg Casar.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between their right to strike and going hungry. Let’s get rid of this anti-union law.” The legislation was endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations including the United Food and Commercial Workers, Teamsters, Communications Workers of America, Food Research Action Center, and Hunger-Free America.
“Hunger should never be a consequence of standing up for fair wages and better working conditions. The Food Secure Strikers Act would repeal draconian restrictions on striking workers from receiving SNAP benefits and ensure they and their families can continue to put food on the table as they advocate for positive change," said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP Director, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). In addition to qualifying strikers for SNAP, the legislation would also protect public sector workers who are fired for striking from being “considered to have voluntarily quit” for SNAP eligibility purposes and clarify that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of whether a member of the household is involved in a strike.
The full bill is available to read on Sen. Fetterman's website ..
