Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act

Protection of Healthcare During Lock-outs: Under Section 2(a), employers are prohibited from terminating or altering coverage while they are taking action to lock-out, suspend, or withhold employment to influence bargaining. This ensures workers do not lose their group health plan coverage during these specific employer actions.

Protection of Healthcare During Lawful Strikes: Under Section 2(b), the bill prevents employers from terminating or altering coverage while an employee is engaged in a lawful strike. This protects the health insurance of workers while they are striking.

Financial Penalties for Violations: Section 3 establishes civil penalties for employers who commit these unfair labor practices. For lock-out violations, penalties can reach $75,000, or up to $150,000 for repeat offenders or those causing serious economic harm. For strike-related violations, penalties can reach $50,000, or up to $100,000 for repeat offenders or those causing serious economic harm.

Accountability for Leadership: Under Section 3(d), a civil penalty may be assessed against a director or officer of an employer if they directed, committed, or had knowledge of the violation and failed to prevent it.