As Nationwide Labor Movement Grows, Adams, Casar, Fetterman Introduce Bill to Provide SNAP Benefits for Striking Workers

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), along with Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and Senator John Fetterman (PA), introduced the Bicameral Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 which allows striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The introduction comes as multiple high-profile strikes take place across the country with 2024 seeing 271,500 workers striking.

Currently, striking workers and their households are excluded from SNAP eligibility and cannot receive SNAP benefits unless they were previously eligible before the strike. While unions can sometimes reduce the financial stress of a strike, workers still face serious financial insecurity when striking due to loss of income. Many striking workers are also not union members, meaning they have an even smaller safety net, if any at all. The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 would repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP.

“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," said 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 Food Secure Strikers Act is also endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.

“When workers take the brave step to stand together for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, they understand the financial sacrifice they are making,” United Food and Commercial Workers International President Marc Perrone said. “While union strike funds and community support help ease that burden, they are not always enough. 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.

The Food Secure Strikers Act would:

• Repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP and affirmatively protect the eligibility of striking workers to receive SNAP;
• Protect public sector workers who are fired for striking from being “considered to have voluntarily quit” for eligibility purposes; and;
• Clarify that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of if a member of that household is involved in a strike.