The bill amends Section 28-44-16 of the General Laws concerning Employment Security Benefits, specifically addressing the eligibility of individuals for unemployment benefits in the context of labor disputes. It removes the previous stipulation that individuals are not entitled to benefits if they became unemployed due to a strike or labor dispute at their workplace. The new language clarifies that individuals will be eligible for benefits if their unemployment results from a lockout by their employer aimed at resisting collective bargaining demands or gaining concessions.

The bill establishes that an individual shall be entitled to benefits if they are on strike or locked out, provided they are a member of the organization involved in the labor dispute. It also specifies that the employer must demonstrate that they have offered an extension of existing wages, hours, and working conditions to the labor organization representing the claimant, and that the lockout is in response to the labor organization's refusal to execute the extension.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
587: 28-44-16