Verizon workers filed thousands of unemployment claims

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- A key reading on unemployment claims rose unexpectedly last week, as a dispute between Verizon Communications and its union employees caused thousands of workers to seek jobless benefits.

The number of first-time filers for unemployment benefits rose to 417,000 in the week ending Aug. 20, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's up 5,000 from a revised 412,000 the prior week.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/25/news/economy/unemployment_benefits/

It is my understanding that striking workers are ineligible for Unemployment Benefits. A strike is a voluntary work stoppage usually organized by a Labor association ( Union, etc. ). At least that is the law here in Michigan; don't know about other States.

requete'-
You are right- in a majority of states (but not all) striking workers are not eligible for UE. However, when there is a work stoppage, there are a LOT of employees working for the company who are not part of the "bargaining unit", and if they are furloughed, THEY are eligible to file a claim. More than likely, that is exactly what happened. And they are lucky, because strike pay is usually much less than UE benefits. While the strikers are putting it all on the line, those not represented by the union stand to benefit a great deal from the efforts of the strikers, as workers exempt from a contract have their pay and benefits patterned after those negotiated by the union.

Thank you CLO for elaborating further. You are correct. Non-bargaining employees who are " furloughed ( ie: Laid off ) due to a "bargaining unit" strike are in most cases eligible for Unemployment compensation.