Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    2

    Default Unemployment Appeal in Maryland

    My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: Maryland

    I had been working for a company for three years. I took the job because it was an early first shift (6 am-3:30pm) job that works with our family and the other obligations that I have. Over the three years, my start times changed very often and sometimes with only a days notice. This became quite difficult to meet my other obligations int eh evenings. Since a lay-off in February of several other employees, I was forced to work unreasonable hours, sometimes 16-17 hours a day on a forklift. In two occasions, I actually dozed off at the wheel. On three separate occasions, I contacted Human resources to express my concern for the excessive hours and safety concerns of the workers including myself.

    In May, the company began making some major changes and eventually moved us to an 11:30am to 9:00pm shift. I, again, contacted Human Resources and asked why the changes constantly. I was told I was a valuable worker and to "hang in there." My boss was fired that week and a new replacement was brought in from another branch. The VP of the company pulled me in to the office to ask how I felt about the new hours change. I told him that I wasn't happy with it and that it didn't work with my other obligations in the evenings. At that time, he told me that he wanted my decision the next day. decision? for what? Let's see have a job or not? He also said that if I didn't like the hours, that I could not remain there and look for another job. So the next day, when asked, I chose to give my two weeks notice sighting a change in shift start times constantly and the excessive hours I was being forced to work. Three days, the new boss arrived from another location and he was quite upset that I was leaving. He asked what he could do to convince me to stay. I told him I needed to start earlier. He agreed to a 10am start and then a 9am start times after two weeks. Great!! That works much better. So I told him that I would stay. Why not? I loved the company and had already invested so much in it.....might as well try to work things out. That day, I called the guy from Human Resources to let him know that I would be staying because the boss changed my hours. I had to leave a message. That phone call was never returned.

    I thought everything was great, we were adjusting to a new boss, but at least I had a job. Nine days after the agreement to stay, I was called into the office and told that the Human Resources and the VP were not accepting my rescinding my resignation and I was asked to leave the premises. What? I thought the boss had worked everything out. When I called Human Resources the night I was told to leave, I was told that he was too busy to return my call and that they had decided to replace me when I gave my notice.

    I applied for unemployment benefits and was initially denied. I have filed an appeal and I wonder what my chances are? I am subpoenaing the two bosses at my location to testify about the change in hours they agreed to and the fact that I agreed to stay? I asked them to testify out right but Human Resources is refusing to let them participate. I feel like I got screwed by a company that has way too many chiefs, none of which communicate with each other. I also have my time sheets from the last three months documenting the excessive time I was forced to work. I feel like I have good cause to appeal, I am just unsure which of these reasons should take precedence. The company reported that I quit and I reported to Unemployment that I quit in lieu of discharge because I was told I could not stay there and look for another job. Ultimately, I feel like I was fired because the corporate office would not or could not communicate with the supervisors in my location.

    Any advice would be helpful!!!! Should I get an Lawyer to represent me?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Unemployment Appeal in Maryland

    You can certainly appeal, but a change in work schedule is generally not a valid reason to quit your job. You may have a claim with respect to the excessive hours, provided this was still an issue when you left. "They made me work too much five months ago" is not a good reason to leave, either.

    Getting an attorney's help is never a bad idea.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Unemployment Appeal in Maryland

    Thank you for responding! I did, in fact, win my appeals and received the back money that was owed to me. Now, I just received a letter stating that my former employer is appealing the decision. Should I be concerned? I feel like they are making this personal, at this point!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    2,357

    Default Re: Unemployment Appeal in Maryland

    I'm dealing with MD UI right now. They very well may be, but worry about something you have no control over isn't going to help. They can request an appeal. The agency has 45 days to decide to hear the appeal, reverse the determination without appeal, or confirm the decision.

    Waiting sucks.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Denial & Appeals: Unemployment Appeal
    By wdj in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 02-05-2011, 08:12 PM
  2. Disqualification: Maryland Unemployment and the 18 Month Rule
    By EliW in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 01-13-2011, 01:49 PM
  3. Denial & Appeals: 3rd Unemployment Appeal
    By Smokestoomuch in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-12-2009, 03:32 AM
  4. Denial & Appeals: Unemployment Insurance Denial In Maryland
    By griffin75 in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-12-2008, 12:16 AM
  5. Denial & Appeals: Employer Appealing Unemployment In Maryland
    By mdark1 in forum Employment and Labor
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 04-21-2008, 08:29 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources