The bill S.F. No. 1148 aims to amend the rules for unemployment benefits in Minnesota, particularly in relation to workers affected by labor disputes. Here are the key changes proposed:

1. Ineligibility During Labor Disputes: Workers who leave their jobs due to a labor dispute are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, the period of ineligibility varies:

   • For workers involved in or directly interested in the dispute, they are ineligible until the labor dispute either ends or continues beyond the first week it began.
   • For workers not involved or interested in the dispute, ineligibility lasts only for the week when the dispute started.

2. Exceptions to Ineligibility: The bill outlines specific exceptions where workers can still receive unemployment benefits, even if they leave their jobs due to labor-related issues:

   • If the employer fails to meet safety and health conditions agreed upon in a union contract.
   • If the leave is due to a lockout initiated by the employer.
   • If the employer terminates the employee before a labor dispute begins.
   • If an employer hires a replacement for the employee’s position, whether on a permanent or temporary basis.

3. Definition of Labor Dispute: The bill retains the existing legal definition of a 'labor dispute.'

This legislation is intended to refine the criteria under which unemployment benefits are provided during labor disputes, ensuring greater fairness for workers who leave their employment under different circumstances related to such disputes.