Unemployment Law Project may have the answers you need regarding Washington State's unemployment benefits coverage in the age of Covid-19

Here are there top questions of the week:

My job is considered essential, but I have some health issues that put me at risk. Do I have to keep working?

No. Even if your work is considered essential, you should not put yourself at risk. It’s preferable to stay attached to your employer if possible. Let your employer know that you cannot return until it is safe. Under new rules, you can qualify for unemployment benefits if you are at high risk and are staying home based on medical advice about the dangers related to that risk. File for unemployment and notify your employer when you can return.*

Gainey Law Note: However, the risk must be to you personally the analysis may be different if the at risk person is a family member. 

My employer has reduced my hours. Do I have to quit to get unemployment?

You can apply for benefits and keep working if you were hired to work full time and have your hours temporarily reduced by less than 60 percent. Report the income earned each week you claim and your benefit amount will be adjusted.*

Gainey Law Note: Please do not quit your job without consulting an attorney as you may forfeit, or make it more difficult to obtain, your ESD benefits. 

 

I started on unemployment several weeks before the COVID-19 crisis. My benefits are about to run out. What should I do?

Under new rules, between March 29 and December 26, 2020, you can receive up to 13 weeks of benefits in addition to the regular 26 weeks.*

* These answers are not intended to be legal advice. For free telephonic legal advice, please contact us at (206) 441-9178 or toll free at 1(888) 441-9178.

In case you missed it

 In case you missed a few, here is the sexual harassment / sexual assault list of shame recap published by the Seattle Times (read article).

Many high-profile men in Hollywood, politics, media and business have recently faced allegations ranging from sexual misconduct to rape. A look at some of the men accused:

Tom Ashbrook, longtime NPR host — Accused by 11 mostly young women and men of unwanted hugs, necks and back rubs and “creepy” sex talks. He was put on leave from his show “On Point.
Celebrity chef Mario Batali — Accused by four women of groping and grabbing employees and others. He apologized, gave up oversight of his restaurant empire and took leave from his ABC cooking show, “The Chew.”
Eddie Berganza, group editor of DC Comics — Accused of forcibly kissing and groping three women. He was fired.
Celebrity chef John Besh — Accused by 25 women of sexual harassment. He has stepped down from the company he founded.

Know your Workplace Rights

Looking for more information about your Rights? Use the links below to get started.

For information about federal anti-discrimination laws, including how to file a federal charge of discrimination see the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.

For information about Washington state anti-discrimination laws, visit the Washington Human Rights Commission website.

For information about workers’ rights to fair wages and hours in Washington consult the Washington Department of Labor & Industries.

For legal assistance and information on unemployment benefits, consult the Unemployment Law Project.

For a description of federal False Claims Act whistleblower claims, consult the Department of Justice.

For legal assistance and information on minimum wage, wage theft, paid sick & safe time, consult the Office of Labor Standards – Seattle