Bill > SB26

This bill amends Delaware's unemployment compensation law to modify how workers are disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits during labor disputes. Currently, workers are disqualified from receiving benefits if they are involved in a labor dispute that is not specifically a lockout. The bill redefines the conditions for a lockout, requiring that the labor contract has expired, the workers have offered to continue working under existing terms, and the employer has refused to maintain the status quo during negotiations. Additionally, the bill creates new exceptions where workers can still receive unemployment benefits before the third week of a labor dispute, such as when the dispute is caused by the employer's failure to comply with an existing agreement or contract, or when the employer hires permanent replacement workers. If an employer certifies that a replacement worker is temporary but later does not reinstate the original worker, the worker can recover lost benefits, and the employer may be subject to a penalty of up to $750 per employee per week of lost benefits. These changes aim to provide more protection and flexibility for workers during labor disputes.

Labor and Employment

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141739