Bill > H4988

This bill establishes a benefit program to protect employees who are involuntarily unemployed due to an employer's lockout during the negotiation of a collective bargaining contract. The bill defines key terms such as "Director" (the director of the Department of Unemployment Assistance) and "Employer" (electric or gas companies required to pay contributions under the state's unemployment insurance law). The bill provides that eligible individuals can receive benefits at the same weekly rate as regular unemployment benefits until the lockout is resolved, but not beyond the start of a strike. The costs of the program will be covered by assessments on the employers, and the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Director, will administer and enforce the program.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4988