4-24-2023 2:34pm

Governor Murphy Signs Bill Expanding Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Workers in Labor Disputes

NJ Governor Signs New UI Benefits Law: permits UI benefits during lockouts, shortens strike disqualification & clarifies eligibility.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A4772/S3215, a bill aimed at expanding access to unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for workers participating in labor disputes, such as strikes. The legislation addresses loopholes in current law that restrict the availability of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for these workers.

"Unemployment insurance benefits should be a universal right for individuals who have recently lost their jobs, are unable to find work, or are currently in the middle of a labor dispute," Governor Murphy said.

The bill is intended to provide support to workers and their families during challenging times and reinforces the administration's commitment to standing up for workers' rights.

Key provisions of the new law include:

Allowing UI benefits for workers during an employer lockout, even if it was not preceded by a strike;
decrease the timeframe from 30 days to 14 days following a strike that UI benefits are disqualified; while allowing for benefits to be paid immediately regardless of the timeframe if replacement workers are hired on either a permanent or temporary basis;
Clarifying that workers are not disqualified from benefits if an employer's failure to comply with an agreement is a disputed issue.

The bill is effective immediately and applies to all UI claims filed on or after January 1, 2022.

Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo praised the legislation, stating that it demonstrates the value the Murphy Administration places on the workforce. Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli expressed that the bill will encourage employers to come to the bargaining table sooner, benefiting all parties involved.

Various labor leaders and lawmakers welcomed the new law, emphasizing the financial relief it will provide for workers during labor disputes. Charles Wowkanech, New Jersey State AFL-CIO President, applauded Governor Murphy for standing with working people and enacting the legislation. Douglas Placa, Executive Director of JNESO District Council 1, IUOE-AFL-CIO, called the legislation a "major win for labor."