I was terminated by my employer without them actually saying so. I was given a 1 week suspension for "violating company policy". The violation was that I took 5 minutes to obtain food because we work 8 hours shifts with no designated time for a break or dinner. I refused to sign the suspension form, saying it was totally unjustified and that it is common practice for employees to take time to obtain food in a reasonable time. Since then they have not scheduled me for any more hours and refuse to pay me for the paid vacation time I accrued in the nearly 2 years working there, at first saying I quit on my own, now stating they terminated me for violating policy. I filed for unemployment benefits, and after nearly a month and a half of waiting with no money at all from unemployment, my claim was denied stating "disqualifying separation, violation of company policy." There were never any witnesses to what the assistant manager and I discussed and there is no evidence at all that I broke any company policies, as there are procedures/documentation for warnings etc.
Is there anything special I should do to prepare for my appeal? I want to have it done in person to let them know I'm serious, but beyond that, what are my chances in a case of this kind?
Thanks

