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Bill

H 2168

An Act relative to unemployment compensation and labor disputes

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 19 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill modifies unemployment compensation eligibility rules for workers affected by labor disputes, currently in Ways and Means Committee review.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 2168

Legislative bill overview

H 2168 modifies Massachusetts unemployment compensation law regarding labor disputes and eligibility for benefits. The bill has been favorably reported by committee and is currently under review by the House Ways and Means Committee as of February 2026. The specific provisions are not detailed in the legislative history provided, making full analysis of its exact scope difficult without access to the bill text.

Why is this important

Unemployment compensation rules directly affect workers' financial security during job transitions and labor conflicts, while also impacting employer costs and labor market dynamics. Changes to labor dispute provisions could significantly alter how workers are treated when strikes, lockouts, or other workplace conflicts occur, potentially affecting both worker protections and business operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Whether workers involved in labor disputes (strikes, lockouts) should receive unemployment benefits—a fundamental disagreement between labor advocates and business interests
  • The financial impact on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and whether benefit expansions require corresponding tax increases on employers
  • Definitional questions about what constitutes a "labor dispute" and how eligibility determinations would be made in borderline cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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