1612                                             LAWS OF MARYLAND                                         Ch. 437

gross misconduct connected with his work, if so found by the
Executive Director. Such disqualification shall continue until
such individual has become reemployed and has earnings [therein]
IN INSURED WORK equal to at least ten (10) times his weekly
benefit amount. For the purposes of this article, the term
"gross misconduct" shall include conduct of an employee which is
(1) a deliberate and willful disregard of standards of behavior,
which his employer has a right to expect, showing a gross
indifference to the employer's interest, or (2) a series of
repeated violations of employment rules proving that the employee
has regularly and wantonly disregarded his obligations,
Misconduct not falling within this definition shall not be
considered gross misconduct.

(d) If the Executive Director finds that he failed, without
good cause, either to apply for available, suitable work, when so
directed by the Executive Director, or to accept suitable work
when offered him, or to return to his customary self-employment
(if any) when so directed by the Executive Director. Such
disqualification shall be effective for the week when the
application for work was to have been made, or when he was
notified that suitable work became available to him, or when
directed to return to his customary self-employment by the
Executive Director, whichever is later, and shall continue for
not less than 4 nor more than 9 weeks immediately following
thereafter or until such individual has become reemployed and has
earnings [therein] IN INSURED WORK equal to at least ten (10)
times his weekly benefit amount.

(1)  In determining whether or not any work is
suitable for an individual, the Executive Director shall consider
the degree of risk involved to his health, safety, and morals,
his physical fitness and prior training, his experience and prior
earnings, his length of unemployment and prospects for securing
local work in his customary occupation, and the distance of the
available work from his residence.

(2)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
article, no work shall be deemed suitable and benefits shall not
be denied under this article to any otherwise eligible individual
for refusing to accept new work under any of the following
conditions: (A) if the position offered is vacant due directly
to a strike, lockout, or other labor dispute; (B) if the wages,
hours, or other conditions of the work offered are substantially
less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for
similar work in the locality; (C) if as a condition of being
employed the individual would be required to join a company union
or to resign from or refrain from joining any bona fide labor
organization.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall

take effect July 1, 1986.
Approved May 13, 1986.