Bill Targets Companies Who Take Public Funds, Lock Workers Out

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/31204-1

March 6, 2013

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A bill that would provide protection to workers who have been "locked out" of their jobs in labor disputes is up for a hearing today at the State Capitol.

The legislation, HF 602, would extend unemployment benefits for the duration of a lockout and charge a penalty to an employer that initiates the action. The bill's lead author, Rep. Joe Atkins, D-South St. Paul, said the plan has bipartisan support.

"Both Democrats and Republicans are ticked off," he said. "Entities come in with big promises of job creation and stimulating the economy, and then take our money, only to turn around and do the exact opposite - lock people out, not let 'em work, cause unemployment to go up and unemployment benefits to skyrocket."

The Employer Lockout Accountability Act also would restrict public subsidies for certain organizations that engage in employee lockouts.

FULL story at link.

[HiPointDem]

1. kr

[mtasselin]

2. Great

This is a great idea, and I for one can only hope it catches on.

[mountain grammy]

3. Bipartisan? Ha, only till some cash starts flowing.

[SnowCritter]

4. Bipartisan support?

I'll still bet that the Tea Party types will go apoplectic over the notion.

Where's my popcorn?

[DainBramaged]

5. When we win back the House..............

[allan01]

6. re:Bill Targets Companies Who Take Public Funds, Lock Workers Out

[Omaha Steve]

7. Kick