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Members have asked a lot of questions about the status of applications for unemployment compensation made during the current work stoppage. This is a slow and frustrating process, so we want to give you an idea of the time frames involved.
Our legal teams are doing everything possible to expedite the processes and are working diligently to secure the benefits our members deserve. In the meantime, members should keep filing your weekly claims.
In Pennsylvania
Claims for unemployment benefits in situations involving a strike or lockout are subject to an initial determination by an office in Harrisburg that focuses on strike/lockout issues. All claims from local offices and online that members have filed are consolidated in this office for an initial determination. With the exception of a few people in different situations, the determination(s) for everyone will be the same. Both the USW and the Company have submitted documents and responded to questions from the Harrisburg Office. Once an initial determination is made, the side that loses can file an appeal and request a hearing before an Unemployment Compensation Referee. Timing is unpredictable, but the best guide as to what we are looking at is the NLMK work stoppage. Time from Initial Determination to First Scheduled hearing: 2 was months. The time from beginning of strike to initial determination: 3 ½ to 4 months. There are currently as many as 300,000 pending applications for unemployment compensation in the pipeline awaiting an initial determination, and which have not gone to a hearing in front of the referee. Tens of thousands have been deemed eligible but have still been waiting months for checks. This has been caused by the numbers of claims, short staffing (it is close to impossible to get anyone on the phone), and an antiquated computer system. Our claims are kept apart from those, but it is a slow process.
In Ohio and Massachusetts
We are faced with many of the same issues as we have encountered in Pennsylvania. The Ohio hearing is scheduled for today, and we will distribute an update when the outcome is known. In Massachusetts, written summations and rebuttals have been filed and we are waiting on a the final determination.
Stay strong! Stay united! Our solidarity and determination will prevail!
Your USW/ATI Negotiating Committee
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