Signed by Governor Phil Murphy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the unemployment insurance law.

Highlights:

• Specifies that in the case of a labor dispute, employees will be able to receive unemployment benefits if the dispute is caused by the employer’s refusal to comply with an agreement or contract between the employer and the union (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Specifies that in the case of a labor dispute that is not caused by the employer not complying with the agreement or contract between the employer and union, then the claimant will not be provided unemployment benefits for the first 30 days unless the employer hires a permanent replacement (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires that a replacement worker is assumed to be permanent unless the employer certifies in writing that the claimant will be permitted to return to his or her prior position upon conclusion of the dispute (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires that the claimant be entitled to recover any benefits lost as a result of the 30 day waiting period if the employer does not permit the claimant to return to work (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Authorizes the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to impose a penalty on the employer of up to $750 per employee per week of lost benefits if it does not allow the claimant to return to work (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires the payment be paid into the unemployment compensation auxiliary fund (Sec. 43.:21-5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the unemployment insurance law.

Highlights:

• Specifies that in the case of a labor dispute, employees will be able to receive unemployment benefits if the dispute is caused by the employer’s refusal to comply with an agreement or contract between the employer and the union (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Specifies that in the case of a labor dispute that is not caused by the employer not complying with the agreement or contract between the employer and union, then the claimant will not be provided unemployment benefits for the first 30 days unless the employer hires a permanent replacement (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires that a replacement worker is assumed to be permanent unless the employer certifies in writing that the claimant will be permitted to return to his or her prior position upon conclusion of the dispute (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires that the claimant be entitled to recover any benefits lost as a result of the 30 day waiting period if the employer does not permit the claimant to return to work (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Authorizes the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to impose a penalty on the employer of up to $750 per employee per week of lost benefits if it does not allow the claimant to return to work (Sec. 43:21-5).

• Requires the payment be paid into the unemployment compensation auxiliary fund (Sec. 43.:21-5).

Full Bill Text