Mass. Senate approves bill to extend unemployment benefits to National Grid workers

BOSTON — Both branches of the state legislature approved bills that would provide unemployment benefits for more than 1,200 National Grid gas workers who have been locked out since June.

Previous: National Grid ordered to halt all non-emergency work

The House-approved bill would force gas companies to cover employees' unemployment benefits during contract talks.

The Senate version would extend benefits by up to 26 weeks -- or until the lockout ends -- within the existing unemployment system.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement Thursday that the Democrat-controlled legislature and Governor Charlie Baker will now work together for some version of the bill to become law.

"I am aware that implementation concerns have been raised about both versions of the bill and the House stands ready to work to address those issues," DeLeo said in his statement. "Today, I am asking Governor Baker to submit specific feedback and suggested language to the House and Senate, and I am committed to reaching resolution on this issue. Further, the House is prepared to keep session open and hold additional sessions until we reach a resolution."

Beacon Hill pressuring National Grid to end lockout

John Buonopane and Joe Kirylo, presidents of United Steelworkers Local 12012 and 12003, said in a statement Wednesday that they were hopeful that the Senate legislation would be passed and offer a "critical economic lifeline" for their workers.

"Nearly six months ago, National Grid made the reckless decision to lock out workers, strip employees of their paychecks and take away their families' health insurance. It is now six days before Christmas and we remain concerned that National Grid is not serious about reaching a deal that will end the lockout. We remain hopeful that the Senate on Thursday will pass legislation that offers much needed protections for our workers and safeguards a critical economic lifeline during this very difficult time."

Out of work and struggling, locked out National Grid workers make plea for help

Cox Media Group