Local 730 v. Commonwealth, Unemployment Compensation Board of Review

The facts of this case, as found by the Referee,1 plainly establish that the cause of this work stoppage was a strike begun by Trane’s employees and not a lockout by Trane. Dissatisfied with the improved conditions the employer instituted two and one-half months after their old contract had expired, under which improved conditions they had worked for 33 days, these workers withheld their labor. Therefore, I would reverse Commonwealth Court and reinstate the order of the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review denying benefits to the employees.

The Referee determined that the parties were…