Brief Description: Allowing unemployment benefits to workers in a labor dispute.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Ruderman, Simpson, G., Chase and Santos.

Hearing Date: 2/3/04

Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).

Background:

An individual who is on strike is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. A labor dispute does not disqualify a locked out individual, however, unless the lockout is by an employer who is a member of a multi-employer bargaining unit and the lockout occurs after one employer member of the unit has been struck by its employees as a result of the multi-employer bargaining process.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning with weeks of unemployment that begin on or after the first Sunday after the bill's effective date, the disqualification from unemployment benefits for a striking or locked out individual does not apply when the labor dispute:

•    is with an employer who is a member of a multi-employer bargaining unit; and

•    arose from contract negotiations in which the employer's last offer before the start of the strike or lockout would, if implemented, result in a substantial deterioration of the individual's working conditions.

Rules Authority: The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.