Lawmakers in Washington state approved a measure to allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits, a topic that has proven contentious among state leaders to the south.

Washington’s Senate Bill 5041 cleared both chambers last week ahead of the Sunday close of the legislative session, the Washington State Standard reports.

The bill would provide up to six weeks of unemployment for striking workers, bringing Washington in line with New York and New Jersey, the Standard reports. If signed by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, it would take effect in 2026.

A similar proposal in Oregon passed the Senate last month and is headed for hearings in the House this week.

Senate Bill 916 would require striking workers in Oregon to wait two weeks before they qualify for unemployment benefits.

Supporters argue the move would help to right a power imbalance in strikes, preventing workers on the picket line from being “starved into a contract” because they’re desperate for pay. Opponents say the bill would be costly to public employers who have to directly reimburse unemployment benefits and that it would incentivize more frequent strikes.