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Senate Labor Committee hears bill to allow some striking workers to collect unemployment
Summary
Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Sen. Darius Brown, would amend Title 19 of the Delaware Code to allow certain striking workers to receive unemployment benefits in more circumstances; committee heard the sponsor but recorded no vote.
Senate Bill 26 — which would amend Title 19 of the Delaware Code governing unemployment compensation to expand eligibility for some striking workers — was presented to the Delaware Senate Labor Committee on Oct. 12, 2025. Senator Darius Brown, the bill sponsor, described changes that would let employees get benefits in additional circumstances, and the committee held the item for consideration; no vote was recorded.
The bill would change current Delaware law so that employees involved in a labor dispute could qualify for unemployment insurance benefits in two additional situations described by Brown: when the dispute arises from an employer’s failure or refusal to comply with an agreement or applicable law governing hours, wages or other working conditions, and when the employer hires a permanent replacement for an employee’s position. "Under current Delaware law, if the labor dispute results in a lockout, employees who meet all other eligibility requirements can receive unemployment benefits from the date they file their claim," Sen. Darius Brown said. He also said the Department of Labor could be given authority to impose penalties on employers who fraudulently certify that an employee is able to return to their prior position after a dispute concludes.
Why it matters: supporters say expanding unemployment eligibility for striking workers can protect workers’ bargaining power and stabilize negotiations, while opponents (not present at this hearing) have elsewhere argued such expansions can complicate benefit administration. The committee did not take public comment specific to SB 26 at this meeting and made no formal motion or vote on the measure.
Discussion and next steps: Brown answered committee questions and noted he would coordinate with Department of Labor staff as needed; no committee direction to staff or formal referral was entered on the record at this hearing. The item was taken up as agenda item 1 and left open for future consideration.
