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I just accepted a voluntary layoff and was wondering if I will be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Here is my situation:
I was hired for this job about 4 months ago after being laid off from another job last year. Because of this, I already have an active claim and was already receiving extended benefits at the time I started this job. My benefit year doesn't end until the end of this month, but I was told that I was eligible for extended benefits until the end of this calender year.
The reason I accepted a voluntary layoff is because they were going to put me in a position that paid nearly $3.00 less an hour. After reading through our union contract, I saw a clause that stated you may take a voluntary layoff instead of taking a lesser paying position.
I was making slightly less than $15.00 an hour to begin with and as you can see this would be a considerable pay cut. When you consider the fact my commute is over 30 miles and 50 minutes one way, it's easy to see it isn't worth it. In other words, this is not a job I would have accepted under these conditions to begin with.
The layoff should only be temporary as orders are going up next month. At that time I expect to be called back to my original position and pay. However, they were not able to give me a definite call back date.
I don't know if this is something to be considered as far as determining unemployment eligibility, but to the best of my knowledge, my taking of this layoff didn't save anybody from a forced layoff.
Also, if eligible for benefits, what will happen at the end of my benefit year since I have additional earnings? I know I have barely enough earnings to qualify for a new claim, although it will be much, much lower.
Instead of taking a pay cut or lay off would it be possible to negotiate with them for a part time position at the original rate? It would be like a pay cut but maybe you'd only work 4 days a week and that other day wouldn't have to commute...maybe could get a second part time job? I would try for that as it would be easier to get the 5th day back when the orders go up. However if you take the lay off I wouldn't anticipate a call back.
Instead of taking a pay cut or lay off would it be possible to negotiate with them for a part time position at the original rate? It would be like a pay cut but maybe you'd only work 4 days a week and that other day wouldn't have to commute...maybe could get a second part time job? I would try for that as it would be easier to get the 5th day back when the orders go up. However if you take the lay off I wouldn't anticipate a call back.
What you are suggesting is not possible. The place I work is a "lean manufacturer." This means they do not believe in building up an inventory of parts. In the department I work, there are already enough parts to make shipment for the entire month of June. This is more than they usually have on hand and means there is absolutely no work in my department until next month.
Because this is a union job, I do have call back rights. Not even more senior employees in other departments have the option of taking my job. So when orders do go up, not only do I expect to be called back, I also expect to be working overtime.
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