BOSTON – Today, Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced that the Senate passed legislation to extend unemployment benefits for locked out National Grid workers for up to 26 additional weeks, or until National Grid workers are no longer locked out, whichever comes first. The benefits would be part of the existing Unemployment Insurance (UI) system.
“I recognize how difficult this lockout has been for these employees and their families, especially around the holidays,” said Senator Moore. “Aside from helping to provide some piece of mind, this bill will ensure unemployment benefits remain available to these workers for an extended period of time or until the months-long lockout finally reaches a conclusion.”
This legislation is designed to address the concerns of the approximately 1,250 workers scheduled to stop receiving UI benefits on January 14, 2019 because of the ongoing National Grid lockout. Under this legislation, benefits would be paid out through the existing unemployment insurance system, and will impact the experience rating of the employer engaged in the lockout, resulting in higher UI costs for that employer going forward.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. To continue tracking the status of the bill, S.2692, please visit the Legislature’s website by clicking below.