Friday, April 24, 2015

State House OKs bill to close loopholes in the Crimes Code on Labor Disputes



The Pennsylvania Chamber applauded state House lawmakers for passing legislation on Tuesday that would eliminate a loophole in the state’s Crime Code that prevents law enforcement from intervening in situations involving stalking, harassment and other threats if the suspect or perpetrator is involved in a labor dispute.

House Bill 874, sponsored by state Rep. Ron Marsico (R-105th Dist.), passed the House in a 104-84 vote.


“This is a common-sense and responsible reform bill,” Pennsylvania Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said. “Closing this loophole ensures that aggressive and harassing behaviors are no longer shielded from prosecution simply because they’re linked to a labor dispute. This measure would help ensure that all parties – including unions, workers and employers – are fairly protected against these types of unlawful actions, both at the workplace and at home.”

Calls for this legislation rose after the 2012 federal indictments and convictions relating to the burning and vandalism of a Quaker Church construction site in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Supporters said law enforcement possibly could have intervened sooner, before the situation escalated, had the exemption not been in the Crime Code.

House Bill 874 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

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