DE SB26

Workers affected by a labor dispute (other than a lockout) become eligible for unemployment benefits after a 2-week waiting period, rather than being completely disqualified as under current law

The 2-week waiting period is waived if the employer caused the dispute by violating an employment agreement, collective bargaining contract, or state/federal labor laws

The waiting period is also waived if the employer hires permanent replacement workers for striking employees' positions

Employers must certify in writing that workers can return to their positions after the dispute ends; if workers are not permitted to return, they can recover lost benefits and the employer faces penalties of up to $750 per employee per week

Penalties collected for fraudulent employer certifications are deposited into the Special Administration Fund