Benefits for Unemployed Workers Protected

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, through a remarkable effort put forth by the Labor movement, fought diligently to protect benefits for all unemployed workers in Pennsylvania.

It was necessary for the PA House to vote today on Senate Bill 1030, to guarantee the continuation of federally funded unemployment compensation benefits for 45,000 unemployed workers, who faced the prospect of losing their benefits.

"Unemployed workers rely on these benefits to put food on the table and pay their mortgage and rent," President Richard Bloomingdale emphasized. "Without SB 1030, people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own would be in a dire situation. It is imperative that the benefits continue to assure the vitality of Pennsylvania's local economies."

As in every legislative process, there was compromise. "However, we were able to defeat the attempts by right-wing conservatives to further reduce benefits and eligibility for future unemployed workers – such as dramatically reducing the weekly benefit rate," Bloomingdale stressed. "The bill had also contained language that would prevent victims of domestic violence from receiving benefits. We were successful in protecting PA's most vulnerable citizens."

"We thank all those legislators we worked with, on both sides of the aisle, to make this bill one that will protect Pennsylvania's unemployed workers," Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder said. "Going through a job loss is one of the most difficult things a person can face. Passage of this bill will help alleviate some of the anxiety. However, now is the time for this Administration to focus on real job creation and protection, not impulsive job cuts."

Senate Bill 1030 saves the UC system 114 million dollars, which was achieved solely through compromises made at the expense of future unemployed workers. To address true solvency to the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation system, there has to be a true shared sacrifice. "Workers have done their part," Snyder said. "Now it's time for businesses to step up to the plate and make the sacrifices needed to keep unemployment compensation stable."

SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO