Here is a quick look at some legislative action this session affecting workers:

* Genetic Testing. A law that prohibits companies from requesting, performing or administering genetic testing of employees takes effect Aug. 1.

* Unemployment Benefits. More than 1,300 workers affected by the shutdown of LTV Steel on the Iron Range will receive an additional 26 weeks of unemployment benefits if they enroll in a job retraining program. In addition, extended unemployment benefits are pending for workers losing their jobs at several other companies as well, Lehto said.

* Workers Compensation. For the first time, injured workers will be able to collect unemployment benefits while they await settlement of their worker's comp claim. Once they receive a settlement, the workers have to pay back the jobless benefits, 'but it's very helpful to have unemployment compensation in the interim to keep them going,' Lehto said.

* Drug Testing. A bill that would have allowed employers to conduct a 'quick test' drug screening on the job site, rather than in a medical lab, died after unions opposed it because of privacy and accuracy concerns.

* Employer Immunity. A bill that would have banned workers from suing employers over information provided in job references was killed.

* Employee Records. A law requiring employers to keep employee assistance files separate from personnel records, and granting employees more control over those files, takes effect Aug. 1.

* College faculty. The Legislature approved technical changes creating a single bargaining unit to accommodate the merger of the Minnesota Community College Faculty Association and the United Technical College Educators. Membership approved the merger in January 865-223.

This article was written for the June 6 issue of The Union Advocate newspaper. Used by permission. The Union Advocate is the official publication of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly. E-mail The Advocate at: advocate@mtn.org