Coronavirus - Pittsburgh news (layoffs, state government, programs, 2013)

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

Sounds like it isn't the job for anyone. You act like they should just accept poor treatment. Most of the staff there are people working hard to support their families and many have had hard times. Not everyone has the option to stop work for a few months or even weeks. They are putting themselves at risk for less than what many will be making on unemployment. It is a service they are providing, maybe not in health care but they also don't have the option to leave and collect unemployment. UE is clear that if your business is open and you are not sick you are not eligible.

Actually, the way the new unemployment system is set up, basically anyone can collect unemployment who isn't able to work from home.

One of the stated allowable reasons for collecting unemployment is - literally:

the individual has to quit his or her job as a direct result of COVID–19

You just need to self-certify this (or another) reason under pain of perjury. So you can quit your job, tell the state unemployment office that you felt unsafe in the workplace because reasons, and collect regular unemployment +$600 per week.

Of course, it doesn't help if you need health insurance or something, but it's a great short-term option for lower-wage workers who feel they are in unsafe working conditions.

[Knepper3]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Actually, the way the new unemployment system is set up, basically anyone can collect unemployment who isn't able to work from home.

One of the stated allowable reasons for collecting unemployment is - literally:



You just need to self-certify this (or another) reason under pain of perjury. So you can quit your job, tell the state unemployment office that you felt unsafe in the workplace because reasons, and collect regular unemployment +$600 per week.

Of course, it doesn't help if you need health insurance or something, but it's a great short-term option for lower-wage workers who feel they are in unsafe working conditions.

Is that state or federal language? I am just going off what several others have told me and the PA UE site currently says. Item #5

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

And nowhere did I say she can't handle it. I said she should not have to nor should anyone else.

Unfortunately, it’s a job that entails “taking it” from the public. It’s never going to change. Don’t like it, find another job.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

Is that state or federal language? I am just going off what several others have told me and the PA UE site currently says. Item #5

That's federal language. The chart is correct insofar as you don't qualify for unemployment if you're on paid leave. Although really the truth seems to be a bit messier - if you're out on disability, for example, you could still qualify for expanded unemployment, just with your unemployment benefits reduced dollar for dollar to account for the disability payments.

But no, that language about quitting your job due to COVID-19 is absolutely in there. I had to write a series of memos regarding this for work. Basically the way that Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - the alternate means of unemployment available for gig workers and the like - is put together, anyone can qualify if they've been rejected or otherwise are not qualified for regular unemployment. So if you take a voluntary furlough, or if you just up and quit, you absolutely should be eligible.

[Knepper3]

Originally Posted by eschaton

That's federal language. The chart is correct insofar as you don't qualify for unemployment if you're on paid leave. Although really the truth seems to be a bit messier - if you're out on disability, for example, you could still qualify for expanded unemployment, just with your unemployment benefits reduced dollar for dollar to account for the disability payments.

But no, that language about quitting your job due to COVID-19 is absolutely in there. I had to write a series of memos regarding this for work. Basically the way that Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - the alternate means of unemployment available for gig workers and the like - is put together, anyone can qualify if they've been rejected or otherwise are not qualified for regular unemployment. So if you take a voluntary furlough, or if you just up and quit, you absolutely should be eligible.

I greatly suspect that many in this situation will never end up receiving anything, either from misinformation or denials that never get approved. Good to know, even more of a reason to be thankful to anyone working right now. Most service workers are making maybe $10-15/hr. Even if you assume a very low UE award of $150/week, add the $600 on top and they would make more money sitting at home not exposing themselves to risk.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

I greatly suspect that many in this situation will never end up receiving anything, either from misinformation or denials that never get approved. Good to know, even more of a reason to be thankful to anyone working right now. Most service workers are making maybe $10-15/hr. Even if you assume a very low UE award of $150/week, add the $600 on top and they would make more money sitting at home not exposing themselves to risk.

At least they have jobs and/or are getting or have the opportunity to get unemployment. Many businesses, independent contractors, etc..., are receiving nothing.

[Copanut]

[quote=erieguy;57801261]At least they have jobs and/or are getting or have the opportunity to get unemployment. Many businesses, independent contractors, etc..., are receiving nothing.[/QUOTE

What else, Bingo!

[Knepper3]

[quote=Copanut;57801659][quote=erieguy;57801261]At least they have jobs and/or are getting or have the opportunity to get unemployment. Many businesses, independent contractors, etc..., are receiving nothing.[/QUOTE

What else, Bingo![/quote
Self employed and gig folks are eligible (PA hasnt figured out how to manage it yet) even though they never paid into UE.

[erieguy]

[quote=Copanut;57801659]

Originally Posted by erieguy

At least they have jobs and/or are getting or have the opportunity to get unemployment. Many businesses, independent contractors, etc..., are receiving nothing.[/QUOTE

What else, Bingo!

And I guarantee most all of those who are receiving nothing would love to have the opportunity to deal with meany customers at their job/business.

[Copanut]

[quote=erieguy;57801708]

Originally Posted by Copanut

And I guarantee most all of those who are receiving nothing would love to have the opportunity to deal with meany customers at their job/business.

To be clear, many people are hurting, particularly self employed. BUT, working behind a counter in retail is no frickin' picnic.