California may pay unemployment to striking workers. But the fund to cover it is already insolvent

Southern California's summer of discontent — marked by a series of work stoppages from hotels to Hollywood — has inspired labor-supporting Democrats in the state Legislature to try and change the law so striking workers can get unemployment checks while they picket for better pay and working conditions. The bill, introduced this week, would make California just the third state to do this, joining New York and New Jersey. Labor unions and progressive policy groups say businesses are to blame for not putting enough money into the fund that pays unemployment benefits.