§ 8-904. Plant closings

   (a) Periods not exceeding 10 weeks. -- When an employer closes its entire plant or part of its plant for inventory, vacation, or another purpose that will cause unemployment for a definite period not exceeding 10 weeks, the Secretary may exempt employees of the plant from the requirement of § 8-903(a)(1)(iii) of this subtitle to actively seek work during that period if the Secretary finds that circumstances and labor market conditions justify the exemption.

(b) Periods not exceeding 26 weeks. -- Whenever an employer closes its entire plant or part of its plant for a purpose other than inventory or vacation that will cause unemployment for a definite period not exceeding 26 weeks, for the period of the specific shutdown, the Secretary may exempt employees of the plant from the requirement of § 8-903(a)(1)(iii) of this subtitle to actively seek work if:

   (1) the employer and affected employees jointly request the exemption;

   (2) the employer provides that all affected employees shall return to work for the employer within 26 weeks; and

   (3) the Secretary determines that the exemption will promote productivity and economic stability within the State.

(c) Limitations. --

   (1) This subsection does not exempt an individual from meeting the requirements of § 8-902(a) or § 8-903(a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this subtitle to be able to work and otherwise fully available for work.

   (2) An exemption under this section may be granted only with respect to a specific plant closing.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 95A, § 4; 1991, ch. 8, § 2.