Category Archives: Bulletin

4/8/20 UNEMPLOYMENT ISSUES

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BULLETIN 4/8/20 UNEMPLOYMENT ISSUES
If members are having issues with unemployment please go to the following links and submit a request for assistance with the details of your concern. We have received dozens of phone calls regarding issues with filing biweekly claims, not receiving PIN numbers and questions that require guidance from a Labor & Industry representative. Under normal circumstances, we would assist members on a case by case basis. Due to the volume of unemployment applicants, our normal channels for assistance are not available. Submissions are answered in the order they are received. Please resist the urge to submit multiple inquiries. This will only back up the system and delay response. Be patient and be sure to thank the UC representative for their efforts during this difficult time.
TO SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST FOR UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, CLICK HERE:
EMAIL:
UCHelp@pa.govUCHelp@pa.gov

CHAT:
https://www.uc.pa.gov/Chat/index.aspxhttps://www.uc.pa.gov/Chat/index.aspx

Unemployment Issues

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As per the PA Department of Labor & Industry, please see the following information on two recent problems constituents are experiencing:

  • The Unemployment Compensation mainframe is experiencing technical difficulties at this time.
  • Claimants can still file INITIAL CLAIMS but BIWEEKLY CLAIMS cannot be accepted.
  • The issue is being addressed and you will be notified when it is resolved.Claimants will not lose eligibility for any weeks as a result of not being able to file.
  • Claimants who have tried to file bi-weekly claims today have received the following notification:
  • “You have a claim established, but it is currently inactive”Claimants should IGNORE the message to call the UC service center to provide additional information
  • This issue is being handled internally – claims will be automatically released from inactive status.
  • Claimants should continue to attempt to file their biweekly claims daily until the claim is processed.
  1. Claimants will not lose eligibility for any weeks as a result of not being able to file.

BULLETIN 11/8/2019

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As Wabtec initiates permanent layoffs, we will do our best to communicate with you and ensure every member affected receives the benefits that they are entitled to.  The disappointing news that Wabtec is moving forward with permanent layoffs, is coupled with a troubling decision to not continue temporary lack of works in this situation.

We continue to urge the Company to consider each employee as they issue layoffs.  This approach has served affected families in the past, as well as labor/management relations.  Here are some of the obstacles we are facing:

  • These layoffs are permanent, as opposed to temporary.
  • Many of the affected employees may not be eligible for unemployment compensation which could impact their TRA entitlement
  • We have been working with the State to identify those individuals based on service in affected jobs, but because the company has not provided the State with 2019 second-quarter earnings, our efforts have been rendered useless. Without these reports, it’s impossible to verify and prepare for those who will be laid off and not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits. 
  • The Union has raised these concerns with the company repeatedly, and continue to urge them to take employees and their families into consideration before they are impacted.

In the meantime, the Union has scheduled a benefits session with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Rapid Response meeting for November 18, 2019, at 9 am. Pennsylvania CareerLink, PA Unemployment and other agencies will provide benefits rights interviews, information on trade benefits and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Representatives will provide members with information about all benefits available to them. Benefit Rights Interviews (BRI’s) will be conducted during this meeting and are required to be eligible for Trade benefits. 

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