Business groups oppose bill to extend unemployment benefits to striking or locked-out workers; committee holds measure

Senate Bill 587, a proposal to allow unemployment benefits for workers who are on strike or locked out during a labor dispute, drew contrasting testimony in the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming and was ordered held.

Lynette Forry Menard of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber opposed the bill, arguing that unemployment insurance is intended to help workers who lose work through no fault of their own and that extending benefits to striking workers could incentivize more strikes. "Unemployment benefits are different; they are designed to assist individuals who lose their job through no fault of their own," she said. She added that Rhode Island already ranks high in unemployment insurance rates and that adding benefits could exacerbate costs.

Autumn Kia, political director for the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, testified in strong support. Kia said strikes and lockouts "are not things that are arrived at easily" and described unemployment insurance for striking or locked-out workers as a historical protection that helps restore bargaining balance. "The workers should not have to choose between groceries and protections in their workplaces," Kia said.

Committee members asked a clarifying question about whether removing "strike" while keeping "lockout" would alter the chamber’s view; witnesses suggested lockouts and strikes are distinct. After testimony and discussion, the motion to hold the bill was made and seconded and the chair announced "the ayes have it," returning the bill to committee for further consideration.