Illinois proposal would give unemployment benefits to striking workers

(The Center Square) – Illinois workers involved in a labor dispute could soon be eligible for unemployment benefits.

State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Loves Park, explained his proposal to the Illinois House Labor & Commerce Committee.

“It is a minor change to the Unemployment Insurance Act that limits how long workers are disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits during a labor dispute-related work stoppage. Instead of being ineligible for any week affected by the labor dispute, workers would only be ineligible for two weeks,” Vella said.

Opponents include the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and associations representing manufacturers, retail merchants, construction, trucking and transportation builders.

The committee is scheduled to consider an amended version of House Bill 2565 on Wednesday.

Business advocates expressed concern about a separate proposal that re...