Can laid off union workers collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I got laid off from my union construction job last week due to lack of work and I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment benefits. My shop steward mentioned something about union workers having different rules but I'm not sure what that means. Do I file the same way as everyone else through the NYS Department of Labor website? I've been paying into unemployment insurance through my paycheck deductions so I assume I'm eligible but want to make sure before I start the process. Anyone here been through this as a union member?
10 comments
Join the conversation
Aisha Hussain
Yes, union workers absolutely can collect unemployment benefits! You file through the standard NYS Department of Labor process just like any other employee. Being in a union doesn't change your eligibility - what matters is that you lost your job through no fault of your own and you've earned enough wages in your base period. The construction industry has seasonal layoffs all the time and most of those workers collect UI benefits during slow periods.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
•That's a relief! Do I need any special paperwork from my union or just the standard stuff like my last pay stub?
0 coins
Ethan Clark
Just file online at my.ny.gov like everyone else. You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent pay information. The union might have specific procedures about how they report your separation but that's between them and the NYS Department of Labor - you don't need to worry about that part.
0 coins
StarStrider
•make sure you select 'lack of work' as your reason for separation when you file the claim
0 coins
Yuki Sato
I was having trouble getting through to the NYS Department of Labor phone lines when I had questions about my union layoff claim status. Kept getting busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting forever. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you connected to actual agents faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me get my adjudication issue resolved quickly.
0 coins
Carmen Ruiz
•Never heard of that but anything that helps with those impossible phone lines sounds good to me. The NYS Department of Labor really needs to fix their call center situation.
0 coins
Andre Lefebvre
Been laid off from union jobs multiple times and collected unemployment each time. The only thing that might be different is if your union has a supplemental unemployment benefit plan that pays additional money on top of regular UI. Not all unions have this but some of the bigger building trades do. Check with your local about that.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
•Oh interesting, I'll have to ask about that. Every little bit helps when you're not working.
0 coins
Zoe Alexopoulos
just a heads up that you still have to do job search activities even if you expect to be called back when work picks up again, learned that the hard way when they audited my claim
0 coins
Aisha Khan
As a fellow union member who's been through this process, I can confirm it's pretty straightforward. One thing to add - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your layoff date. There's no waiting period before you can apply, and delays can affect when you start receiving benefits. Also, keep good records of all your work search activities from day one, even if you think you'll be called back soon. The NYS Department of Labor takes those requirements seriously during audits. Good luck with your claim!
0 coins