To give a partial answer to that question, I would say that in some situations, there could be abuses. For example, where workers are on strike for two years—which is longer than the current qualifying period—the employer could take advantage of the situation. Indeed, knowing that the workers will have no income once the dispute is ended, the employer could use that in the negotiations. I believe this measure would prevent that sort of thing from happening.
On April 21st, 2010. See this statement in context.