Striking Workers Must Search for Work to Receive Unemployment Benefits
Washington’s new law allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits will operate differently than originally planned following guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The 2025 law allows striking workers to receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. Washington had planned to waive the normal job search requirement for workers while on strike.
However, the U.S. Department of Labor recently informed the state that waiving the requirement conflicts with federal unemployment insurance rules. As a result, striking workers must actively seek work and meet the same job search requirements as other unemployment benefit recipients to qualify for benefits.
AGC was part of a coalition that asked the U.S. Department of Labor for guidance on this issue. While the law remains in place, the federal guidance adds an important limitation on how benefits can be administered and could reduce its impact on construction employers affected by strikes.
AGC will continue to monitor implementation of the law and any additional guidance from the Employment Security Department.
Meet Scott Edwards — AGC’s BUILD PAC Endorsed Candidate for State Supreme Court
Washington’s Supreme Court makes decisions that have lasting consequences for employers, contractors and our state’s economy. With five of the court’s nine seats on the ballot in 2026, these races deserve our attention.
For Supreme Court Position 1, AGC’s BUILD PAC has endorsed attorney Scott Edwards.
Edwards brings more than 30 years of legal experience, with a practice focused on complex tax and constitutional issues. He has represented clients throughout Washington’s court system, including in more than a dozen cases before the Washington Supreme Court, and has taught at the University of Washington School of Law for more than 20 years.
AGO shares guidance on I-9 audits; webinar Sept. 23
Ahead of the state Immigrant Worker Protection Act taking full effect on Oct. 1, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is providing guidance and materials to help employers meet obligations under the law. In addition, the AGO is providing a webinar for AGC members on the new law on Sept. 23. Registration and more info on the webinar available here.
Washington’s New Income Tax: Quick Tips for the Construction Industry (By Larson Gross)
Editor’s note: To read about AGC’s position on I-645, which will appear on the November ballot and would repeal Washington’s new income tax, please click here. If the tax remains in effect, AGC wants members to understand its implications. We thank AGC member Larson Gross for providing this important information. Quick Tip 1: Know the Starting Line
Serve as a Trustee for the AGC Washington Health Benefit Trust
The AGC Health Benefit Trust is an association health plan co-sponsored by AGC of Washington, Inland Northwest AGC and AGC of Alaska chapters. We are currently seeking member volunteers to serve as Trustees. These members provide oversight of plan operations, finances, governance, and long-term strategy to help ensure a sustainable health benefit program for participating employers and employees. This includes oversight of yearly premium reviews. Trustees who participate in the AGC Health Plan are encouraged to serve, but this is not required. Email sforster@agcwa.comwith interest before September 18th.
TSCM Accepting Applications Free training in Seattle for small and underrepresented firms
Turner Construction is accepting applications for the 2026 Turner School of Construction Management (TSCM), a free, four-week program designed to help small, local, and underrepresented construction firms strengthen their managerial, technical, and administrative capabilities while building relationships and positioning themselves for future business opportunities. The program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 13–November 5, from 4:00–7:00 PM at Turner’s Seattle office, and applications are due by 5:00 PM on September 18, 2026.
Certified Small Business & Disadvantaged Specialty Contractors: Meet the General Contractors Looking to Work With You! Join us for the AGC Contractor Exchange, a FREE opportunity to meet face-to-face with leading general contractors to discuss your company’s capabilities, qualifications and upcoming project opportunities. Participating contractors include Absher, Contrack Watts, Cornerstone, GLY, Hensel Phelps, Lydig, Mortenson, PCL, Sellen, Skanska, Stacy and Witbeck, and more! Space is limited. Register today!
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