unemployment law help...?

Question

Because of natural disaster and road closures due to the natural disaster it now take approx 1-1.5 hours to get to work. It usually takes only 25-30 min. I called the unemployment office to see if I would qualify for disaster assistance untill the roads opened. I qualified for $379.00 weekly. I then spoke with my boss and told him that I had to take leave untill the roads open, I only gross $1500.00 a month and $160 a week for gas HURTS...I'm NOT lazy and just not wanting to work, I actually really like my job, but I also have 2 kids that I have to have $$ to support. Two weeks later, roads STILL closed, I got a call from the office manager telling me that my boss wanted my key back. Then I got a letter from unemployment saying that my boss is fighting my unemployment because I quit. I have my telephone confrence next week with UI office and are a little nervous. Any thoughts or advice? And yes, I am actively seeking new work.

Joe Finkle · Accepted Answer

In New York, this would qualify as justifiably quitting and you would be eligible for unemployment. I don't know about your state. There may be free help available to you. Contact the state department of labor and ask them what legal services are out there. I used to volunteer with the unemployment action center in New York during law school and have been through a few of these hearings. There might be a similar service in your area.

Your state department of labor probably has some research tools that will help you figure out the law if you have to represent yourself. Good luck. Remember to listen to the judge and follow whatever procedures they have for you. The judge will probably ask questions, but you can also make your own statement and question whoever your employer sends. At least in New York, I don't know the procedures in your state.

I am not a lawyer yet, so don't consider this legal advice, I am just advising you to get help from a legal service. Good luck.

unemployment law help...?

1 Answer