Bill > H7440

This bill amends existing law concerning unemployment benefits during labor disputes, specifically addressing situations where workers are on strike or are locked out by their employers. Previously, individuals were generally disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if their unemployment was due to a strike or "industrial controversy" (a disagreement between employers and employees), unless they could prove they weren't involved in or financially supporting the dispute. This bill removes that disqualification for strikes and also clarifies that individuals are entitled to benefits if their unemployment is a result of their employer withholding work to resist or gain concessions during collective bargaining, which is known as a "lockout." The bill also removes specific exceptions that previously allowed employers to deny benefits during lockouts under certain conditions, such as when the lockout was in response to a strike at another company within a multi-employer group or if the employer offered to extend existing work conditions. The bill also states that if unemployment continues for more than a week after a labor dispute ends, eligible individuals can receive benefits. This act will become effective immediately upon its passage.

Labor and Employment

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