Some workers in labor disputes can qualify for benefits sooner

The law waives the first two weeks of disqualification for some workers whose unemployment stems from a labor dispute. This applies to workers unemployed because of a labor dispute, other than a lockout, at their last workplace. Workers must meet the other benefit requirements, including being able and available for work and completing weekly job requirements. The waiting period is waived if the employer failed to follow a work agreement or a state or federal law about work conditions, or hired a permanent replacement. The waiting period covers the first two weeks of unemployment caused by the labor dispute.

The Department of Labor may penalize an employer that does not let a worker return after certifying in writing that the worker can return to the same job. This applies when an employer certifies that a worker can return to the worker's prior position after the labor dispute, then does not allow the worker to return. The written certification must say the worker can return to the prior position if the dispute ends before the worker's benefit eligibility ends. The penalty may be up to $750 per worker for each week of benefits lost during disqualification. Collected penalties go to the Special Administration Fund. The penalty may cover each week of benefits lost while the worker was disqualified.