I ran a publication (as Associate Publisher)in CA and was terminated by owner who did not work in the business on a daily basis. Employer denied claim and stated "did not do my job and demonstrated insubordination". She is an attorney. Everything I recommended & researched for the publication was implemented; along with my hiring a new sales rep and training her, putting new rates in place, etc. There were no policies, rules, employee handbook in place when I started.
Advertising revenue was down as is all advertising in all publications. The insubordination is based on my verbal complaint re: clients repeatedly requesting invoices (the employer personally did the invoicing) and never having invoices sent. The publication was months in arrears on invoicing. I have emails reflecting this. She also stated it is not permitted to use a "cell phone" for work; when in fact without it I could not do the job as I worked evenings and week-ends constantly to handle production questions. Plus the current rep uses her cell phone for work and gives out the number in her emails to prospects/clients.
My appeal is coming up and I sent documentation showing breadth of work I performed, all the changes implemented due to my recommendations based on competitive analysis I performed plus other documents reflecting my wor.
I was given a written warning and then terminated via email 5 weeks later. I am an older worker, with 30 years in management in publishing. I am seeking input on handling my appeal - and going up against a employer who is an attorney and NEVER allowed an unemployment claim.
EDD also said I made a false statement or withheld information when I filed.
I believe (can't remember specifically) as I filed over phone, that I said I was laid off......but then read the email to EDD verbatim from my employer stating I was terminated. If I said laid off, it would have been inadvertent on my part, not misrepresentation. I was not even aware of this and had to probe to find out what I could have said that was not straightforward and honest.
I would like input on how best to present my claims at the appeal hearing.
Appreciate any input or feedback.