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Fetterman Introduces Bill to Provide SNAP Benefits for Striking Workers 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman joined Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Greg Casar (D-TX-35) to introduce the Food Secure Strikers Act, legislation to allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

“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,” said Senator John Fetterman. “To protect workers’ right to organize, we must ensure they can put food on the tables for themselves and their families while on strike. I’m proud to lead the effort to ensure workers never need to choose between fighting for fair working conditions and feeding their families. I hope to see this critical legislation passed this Congress.”

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 union funds can sometimes reduce the financial stress of striking, workers often still face serious financial insecurity when on strike due to loss of income. Further, many striking workers are not union members, meaning they have an even smaller safety net, if any at all. The Food Secure Strikers Act would repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP. 

Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) cosponsored the legislation. The House companion bill was introduced by Representative Alma Adams, Representative Casar, and 34 cosponsors. 

The Food Secure Strikers Act is also endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers, National Education Association, Teamsters, Communications Workers of America, Food Research Action Center, and Hunger-Free America. 

Senator Fetterman is an adamant supporter of organized labor and regularly advocates for the union way of life. He sits on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, which deals with SNAP and other food security programs. This legislation is a convergence of two major issues Senator Fetterman is championing for working people. 

“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.”

“We are proud to support the reintroduction of the Food Secure Strikers Act and applaud Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), Representative Alma Adams (D-NC), and Representative Greg Casar (D-TX) for their leadership. No worker should be denied access to basic nutrition simply because they are exercising their right to strike. When workers take the brave step to stand together for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, they understand the financial sacrifice they are making. While union strike funds and community support help ease that burden, they are not always enough,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “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. As more and more workers across the country stand together to improve their workplaces, UFCW stands in full support of policies that protect their rights and their families.” 

“Hunger should never be a consequence of standing up for fair wages and better working conditions. The Food Secure Strikers Act would repeal draconian restrictions on striking workers from receiving SNAP benefits and ensure they and their families can continue to put food on the table as they advocate for positive change,” said Salaam Bhatti, SNAP Director, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC).

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. 

Read the full legislation here.