UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION-EFFECT OF THE MERITS OF A LABOR DISPUTE ON THE RIGHT TO BENEFITS

Every state and territorial unemployment compensation act contains a provision disqualifying persons from receiving benefits whose unemployment is the result of a labor dispute or some form thereof. In most states these provisions have been applied to deny benefits to striking or locked-out workers regardless of the merits of the particular controversy. A few states have adopted provisions permitting at least a limited investigation into the question of fault. It is the purpose of this comment to discuss the extent to which the merits of labor disputes are and should be considered in determining workers' rights to benefits.