Why does collective bargaining have the same general effect on unemployment as minimum wage - Washington ESD claim questions

Both collective bargaining and minimum wage laws create artificial price floors for labor - they set wages above what the market would naturally determine. When wages are artificially higher, employers demand less labor, which can lead to higher unemployment. For your Washington ESD job search, they don't specifically require union vs non-union jobs, but you do need to show you're making genuine efforts to find work. Document all your applications regardless of union status.

the whole system is rigged anyway, unions drive up wages for some workers but then fewer people get hired overall. i've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and can't even reach anyone to ask about job search requirements

From an economic perspective, both collective bargaining and minimum wage laws create what economists call 'wage rigidity.' When wages can't adjust downward during economic downturns, employment adjusts instead - meaning layoffs. This is why both can contribute to structural unemployment. For Washington ESD purposes, make sure you're meeting the work search requirements regardless of the wage level of jobs you're applying for.

Wait I'm confused about my job search requirements too. Do I have to apply for jobs that pay less than what I was making? My union job paid $28/hour and most non-union positions are like $15-18. Washington ESD website isn't clear about this.

This is exactly why I left my union job voluntarily - the writing was on the wall that layoffs were coming because our wages were so high compared to non-union shops. Now I'm on unemployment anyway and having to compete with everyone else. Should have seen this coming.

Both policies essentially set wages above equilibrium levels. In collective bargaining, unions negotiate higher wages than individual workers could get. With minimum wage, government sets a floor. Either way, if the wage is above what employers are willing to pay for that productivity level, some workers get priced out of jobs.

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months and honestly the job search requirement is a joke. They don't really verify if you're actually applying or just going through the motions. As long as you log three contacts per week you're fine.

The connection between collective bargaining and minimum wage effects on unemployment is that both create 'insider-outsider' dynamics. Those with jobs (insiders) benefit from higher wages, while those seeking jobs (outsiders) face higher barriers to entry because employers can't offer lower wages to get them started.

I used Claimyr when my weekly claim got stuck and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD for two weeks. Worked great - got through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling all day. The service connects you directly to available agents when they're free.

Your professor was right - both policies reduce employment at the margin. Collective bargaining raises wages above competitive levels just like minimum wage does, so employers hire fewer workers. The difference is collective bargaining usually affects higher-skilled workers while minimum wage affects entry-level positions.

been unemployed 4 months and finally starting to see this in action. all the good paying union jobs have long waiting lists, meanwhile fast food places are hiring at $20/hour because of minimum wage increases but those jobs barely exist anymore since they automated everything

For Washington ESD job search purposes, focus on documenting genuine efforts regardless of the economic theory behind wage-setting. Apply to union jobs if that's your background, but be prepared to expand your search if benefits continue long-term. The key is showing active engagement in finding work.

Both collective bargaining and minimum wage create deadweight loss in the labor market - wages above equilibrium mean some mutually beneficial transactions between employers and workers don't happen. This shows up as unemployment for workers whose productivity falls between the natural wage and the artificially higher wage.

I hate calling Washington ESD so much. Every time I need to check on something it's hours of busy signals. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - has anyone actually used it successfully?

The similarity between collective bargaining and minimum wage effects comes down to both preventing market-clearing wages. When wages can't adjust to balance supply and demand for labor, quantity adjustments happen instead - meaning unemployment. It's basic price theory applied to labor markets.

As someone who's been through this process, I can confirm that Washington ESD generally allows you to focus on positions matching your skill level and previous wages initially, but they do expect flexibility over time. The economic theory is interesting, but practically speaking, document everything - job applications, networking contacts, interviews, etc. I'd suggest keeping a spreadsheet with dates, company names, positions applied for, and any responses. Also consider looking into apprenticeship programs or retraining opportunities if your union background isn't leading to quick placement - Washington ESD sometimes has programs that can help bridge you into related fields while you're collecting benefits.