WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act, a legislative effort to extend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to striking workers and their families. The bill, led by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania alongside Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Greg Casar (D-TX-35), seeks to address food insecurity among workers who face financial hardship while exercising their right to strike.
“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,” Senator Fetterman stated. “To protect workers’ right to organize, we must ensure they can put food on the tables for themselves and their families while on strike.”
Under current rules, households with striking members are excluded from SNAP eligibility unless already qualified before the strike. The proposed legislation would eliminate this restriction, allowing striking workers to access critical nutrition assistance. Additionally, the bill would affirm eligibility protections for public sector workers fired for striking and ensure income-eligible households with striking members can still receive SNAP benefits.
Support for the Food Secure Strikers Act has come from a wide range of unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers, the National Education Association, the Teamsters, and Hunger-Free America. Marc Perrone, President of UFCW International, said, “This bill would allow striking workers and their families to access SNAP, a critical service that helps put food on the table for millions of Americans in need. No one should have to choose between feeding their family and exercising their right to take action for a better future.”
The legislation also has the backing of other notable senators, including Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tina Smith (D-MN), alongside 34 House cosponsors. Congressman Casar emphasized the importance of the measure, stating, “If a worker goes on strike, the government shouldn’t punish them by taking away things like food stamps. People shouldn’t have to choose between their right to strike and going hungry.”
For Senator Fetterman, this initiative aligns with his commitment to organized labor and food security. Serving on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee, which oversees SNAP, he views this legislation as a vital step toward supporting workers in their fight for fair wages and working conditions.
“Hunger should never be a consequence of standing up for fair wages and better working conditions,” said Salaam Bhatti, Director of SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center.
The Food Secure Strikers Act represents a significant move toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of striking workers, ensuring they do not face the added burden of food insecurity while advocating for positive change in their workplaces.
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