Allows unemployment benefits for workers who are on strike or are locked out of their workplaces by their employer due to a labor dispute.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Unemployment Benefits During Labor Disputes

This bill would change Rhode Island's unemployment insurance system to allow workers to collect unemployment benefits while they are on strike or have been locked out of their workplace by their employer during a labor dispute. Under current law, workers who are out of work because of a strike or lockout are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. This bill would remove that restriction and treat striking or locked-out workers similarly to other unemployed workers when it comes to receiving financial assistance.

The bill would primarily affect two groups: workers who choose to go on strike as part of a labor dispute, and workers who are locked out by their employer — meaning they are prevented from returning to work by management during a contract dispute or negotiation. In both cases, these workers would be able to apply for and receive unemployment checks while they are out of work due to the labor conflict. Employers and the state's unemployment insurance fund could also be affected, since more people collecting benefits would draw more money from the system.

This legislation has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate and referred to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken. Several other states have considered or passed similar measures in recent years, though the majority of states currently do not allow unemployment benefits during strikes or lockouts.