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For Immediate
Release
1/26/10
McIlhinney Introduces Legislation to Prevent
Layoffs
HARRISBURG – Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery)
introduced legislation today that would preserve Pennsylvania jobs by giving
employers alternatives to layoffs.
McIlhinney's legislation, Senate Bill 1205, would allow
employers who are facing the prospect of layoffs to implement a temporary
shared-work program that would reduce employee hours and allow those employees
to receive proportionate unemployment compensation benefits in certain cases.
In cases where at least 10 percent of a unit would be
affected by layoffs, the proposal would allow employers to reduce normal weekly
hours by no less than 20 percent and no more than 40 percent. The shared-work
plan would be voluntary for employers and would have to be reviewed and approved
by the Department of Labor and the union of any affected employees.
"As we continue to work toward a recovery from the
recession, my legislation could help keep many Pennsylvanians in the workforce
instead of the unemployment line," McIlhinney said. "Jobs are the key to a
healthy economy, and this proposal gives us an opportunity to save the jobs that
are closest to being lost."
The total shared-work plan cannot exceed 52 weeks, and no
employer will be permitted to take part in shared-work plans for more than 104
weeks out of a 156-week period. Participating employers must also agree to not
lay off employees during the term of the plan and not hire or transfer new
workers into the affected unit.
CONTACT:
Heather Cevasco
(215) 489-5000
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