Union Bill Passes | Video

Jessica Roose | 3/14/2013

Lawmakers passed a bill this afternoon that denies locked out Union workers from receiving unemployment benefits. Opponents said it`s a misuse of the legislative process and denies the rights of workers.

But supporters say it`s necessary to keep the state out of the middle of labor disputes.

"I feel each of us should be employees at will. I feel that each of us should make ourselves so valuable to our employer that he would not want to fire us, lay us off or lock us out," said Senator Howard Anderson (R) from Turtle Lake.

"It was not that they walked out, or were un-willing to work. They were all willing to work and they were denied benefits," said Senator Tim Mathern (D) from Fargo.

The bill now goes to the Governor`s desk.

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