Verizon Strike 2016: NJ May Allow Strikers To Collect Unemployment Benefits

Editor's Note: This article is part of an ongoing series. Catch up on the latest news about the Verizon strike here.

May 17, 2016 – As the Verizon labor stoppage of 2016 enters its 35th day and the company prepares for renewed bargaining talks with union leaders, New Jersey is considering a bill that would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits.

The bill – S2160 – would allow any worker engaged in a “labor dispute” to collect benefits if the dispute is “caused by the failure or refusal of the employer to comply with an agreement or contract between the employer and the claimant.”

Lawmakers tailored the bill to be retroactive to April 10, three days before the Verizon strike began.

The bill was introduced in the NJ Senate on May 5, approved 3-1 during a Senate Labor Committee on Monday, and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further review.

Read the full bill here.

Photo via Stand Up To Verizon, Facebook

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