DENVER—Workers forced into lockouts during labor disputes would be able to collect unemployment benefits next year under a measure tentatively approved by the House Tuesday.
Supporters insisted only workers locked out by companies seeking to coerce them to accept a contract offer would be eligible.
“We’re talking about workers who have been locked out, not striking workers,” said Rep. Ed Casso, D-Thornton.
The bill (House Bill 1170) faces a third reading before it goes to the Senate.
Opponents said the bill would allow unemployment benefit funds paid by all employers to be used as a strike fund for unions. They said striking union workers don’t qualify for unemployment.
“Striking workers still have a job,” said Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs.
Colorado allowed workers to collect unemployment during lockouts until 1999, when the law was changed to say no benefits would be paid if a lockout was “defensive” to prevent vandalism or other problems.
Liston said companies should have the right to lock out workers who slander their employers or pose a threat to the company.
Colorado’s last lockout occurred in 1996 when King Soopers employees went on strike and Safeway workers were locked out.
Workers at the two supermarket chains have just begun contract negotiations, and company representatives told lawmakers this was the wrong time to change the law because it could lead to a costly labor dispute.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union pushed for the bill and wants it to take effect this year.
