Requiring notification of employees, the Department of Labor and Industry and municipalities when mass layoffs and business closings occur; and providing for civil penalties and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.
Impact
If passed, HB 815 would amend current labor law in Pennsylvania by instituting a mandatory 90-day notification period before employers can proceed with a business closing, mass layoff, or relocation. Employers would face civil penalties up to $500 per day for non-compliance, which emphasizes a shift toward more stringent enforcement of employee rights regarding employment loss. The legislation also guarantees that the rights provided under this bill complement and do not interfere with other existing employee rights and remedies, thereby enhancing overall worker security during economic transitions.
Summary
House Bill 815, introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, seeks to enhance employee protections by requiring employers to notify affected employees, the Department of Labor and Industry, and local municipalities of impending mass layoffs and business closings. The bill highlights the devastating impact that sudden job losses due to mergers and downsizing can have on individuals and communities. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that employees have adequate notice, enabling them to prepare for the transition and seek new opportunities or mitigate the fallout from such closures.
Sentiment
The reception of HB 815 has been generally positive among labor advocates and employee rights groups, who see it as a crucial step toward protecting workers' interests. Proponents argue that proactive notice can help prevent unemployment crises and give workers more agency during downturns. Conversely, some business organizations express concerns regarding the potential economic burden of increased regulatory compliance and the implications of revealing sensitive information about employment adjustments in advance.
Contention
Despite its support, HB 815 has faced scrutiny regarding its feasibility and potential unintended consequences for businesses operating in Pennsylvania, particularly regarding the requirement for advance notice in situations involving unforeseen economic challenges. While advocates argue that the bill is essential for safeguarding employment rights, opponents caution that the legislation might lead to employers hesitating in tough financial situations or make decisions that could ultimately harm their workforce instead of protecting it.
Requiring notification of employees, the Department of Labor and Industry and municipalities when mass layoffs and business closings occur; and providing for civil penalties and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.
Providing for criteria for independent contractors and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
Providing for criteria for independent contractors in the traveling sales industry and for the powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
Prohibiting the employment of unauthorized employees; requiring hotel and lodging industry employers to verify the Social Security numbers of employees; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Providing for the registration of labor brokers; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry and the Secretary of Labor and Industry; establishing the Labor Broker Registration Account; and imposing penalties.
Prohibiting the employment of unauthorized employees; requiring meat packing and food preparation industry employers to verify the Social Security numbers of employees; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
Providing for the accrual and use of earned paid leave; establishing the Small Business Grant Program; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing a penalty.
In powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry, its departmental administrative and advisory boards and departmental administrative officers, further providing for Elevator Safety Board.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)