House Democrats Introduce "Striking Workers Healthcare Protection Act"

If signed into law, the "Striking Workers Healthcare Protection Act" would require companies to continue paying for striking workers' health benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Wednesday, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the "Striking Workers Healthcare Protection Act" which, if passed, would require companies to continue paying for the health benefits of striking workers.

Under current law, if employees go out on strike against their employer, the employer is not legally required to continue paying for strikers’ health benefits.

Strikers, if they wish to maintain their health care benefits have the legal right to pay the full cost of their benefits—their costs, plus their employers costs—under COBRA.

“National support for unions is at its highest levels in decades. Amid positive change in the jobs economy, more and more workers are striking for higher wages and better treatment,” stated Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) on his website. “But unscrupulous corporations are trying to crush workers’ rights by threatening striking workers’ health care plans. This reprehensible management tactic can no longer be allowed and our legislation will put a stop to it once and for all. Workers must be allowed to exercise their rights free of extortion and intimidation.”

The legislation is co-sponsored by: