As of October 2025, Massachusetts bill H.2168, "An Act relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes," is pending before the Joint Labor and Workforce Development Committee. The bill, filed on January 14, 2025, would allow striking workers to collect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits after 30 days.
In Massachusetts, Senate bill S.1319 is legislation filed in the 2025–2026 session that would change unemployment compensation rules regarding labor disputes. It would guarantee unemployment benefits for workers who go on strike after a 30-day waiting period. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Paul Feeney.
Key provisions of S.1319
The bill seeks to amend Chapter 151A of the Massachusetts General Laws to ensure workers are not denied unemployment benefits during labor disputes. This would include:
Benefits after 30 days: Eligible striking workers would receive unemployment benefits after waiting 30 days.
Protection during employer lockouts: Workers would not be denied benefits during an employer lockout, provided the workers are ready and able to work under the existing or expired contract terms. The only exception is if the employer can prove the lockout is a response to serious property damage or threats from the bargaining unit.
Elimination of the waiting period for certain disputes: The 30-day waiting period or disqualification would not apply if the labor dispute was caused by an employer's failure to comply with an existing contract, agreement, or labor law.
Involuntary unemployment: Workers who become involuntarily unemployed during contract negotiations would be entitled to benefits until a strike begins.
Please see the House Bill 1947 & Senate Bill 1172. Our former IBEW members turned Massachusetts legislators; Senator Paul Mark and Senator Paul Feeney, among others are sponsoring the bill. Relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes. Labor and Workforce Development.
