Bill aids laid off workers

Tuesday, May 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

"When the floods hit Reno, one company laid off all of its workers, then offered them their jobs back at minimum wage, including one female employee who had been with the firm for 29 years.

"That employee did not get rehired and ended up losing her pension."

Krenzer, D-Las Vegas, chairwoman of the Labor and Management Committee, declined to name names on grounds that she needs to gather more information. But she said she has enough information to know that workers need more protection in this day and age of downsizing.

Her bill would require management to notify the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation in advance of any layoff of more than 30 people. It would also mandate that if workers are hired back, they must retain their previous pay and benefits.

Krenzer said the bill would require an employer to inform the community and the state department in the event of large layoffs "so they can come over and help the people with resumes and job training and job search assistance in order to transition them."

Businesses would be required to submit to the state agency a report on the layoff 120 days before the effective date, detailing the economic necessity of it, what alternatives were discussed and if there is going to be retraining or any transferring of employees to affiliated companies.

The state agency would also be required to provide money for child care, counseling and commuting for dislocated workers.

Businesses that fail to comply with the requirements would have to pay each dislocated worker three months pay and 50 percent of the cost of continuing insurance coverage for 12 months.

A company that submitted a false report could be fined up to $10,000.