The proposed bill aims to establish the West Virginia Workplace Security Act, which introduces new regulations regarding workplace security and outlines specific unlawful activities related to picketing. Under this act, individuals are prohibited from hindering lawful work through mass picketing, obstructing access to places of employment, interfering with public transportation, and engaging in picketing at private residences. However, the act clarifies that it does not apply to picketing authorized by the U.S. or West Virginia Constitutions.

To enforce these provisions, the bill allows employers or affected parties to seek injunctive relief in circuit court against individuals engaging in prohibited activities. Courts are mandated to grant such relief without requiring proof of irreparable harm. Violators of the act may face civil fines, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses, and unions or organizations that continue to support prohibited activities may incur higher fines. The bill also stipulates that employers can recover damages from fines paid to the court if they can demonstrate losses due to the prohibited activities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-5J-1