Bill > S1984

This bill, called the "Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act," aims to prevent employers from terminating or altering employee health insurance coverage during labor disputes. Specifically, the bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it an unfair labor practice for employers to end group health plan coverage during a lock-out (when an employer prevents employees from working to pressure them in negotiations) or during a lawful strike. The bill establishes significant civil penalties for such actions, with fines ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the circumstances, and these penalties can be doubled for repeat offenders or when the action causes serious economic harm to employees. The legislation also allows for potential personal liability for directors and officers who knowingly allow such violations. The bill defines "group health plan" by referencing the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and provides that the National Labor Relations Board will consider factors like the severity of the action, employer size, history of violations, and public interest when determining penalty amounts. The goal is to protect workers' healthcare coverage during labor disputes, ensuring they do not lose critical health benefits while exercising their rights to collective bargaining or striking.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1984/all-info