Can union workers collect unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I've been a union carpenter for 8 years and got laid off from my construction job last week. My union rep mentioned something about unemployment but wasn't sure if union workers are eligible. I know we pay into different funds through our union dues. Can I still file for regular unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor or do I have to go through the union for benefits? I'm really confused about how this works and need to start getting some income soon.
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Jade Lopez
Yes, union workers are absolutely eligible for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor! Being in a union doesn't disqualify you from regular UI benefits. You file the same way as any other worker - through the my.ny.gov website. The union dues you pay don't replace unemployment insurance, they're separate things. Make sure to file your weekly claims and keep track of any job search activities as required.
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Arjun Patel
AuthorThank you! That's a huge relief. Do I need to tell them I'm union when I file or does it matter?
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Tony Brooks
been union electrician for 12 years, collect unemployment every winter when work slows down. totally normal and legal. just file like anyone else
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Ella rollingthunder87
The key thing to understand is that your unemployment benefits are based on your wages from covered employment, which includes union jobs. Your employer pays unemployment insurance taxes on your wages regardless of your union status. However, if your union provides any supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB), you'll need to report those to NYS Department of Labor when you file your weekly claims. Also, make sure you're available for work and actively seeking employment as required.
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Arjun Patel
AuthorWhat exactly are SUB benefits? I don't think my union has those but want to make sure I understand.
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Ella rollingthunder87
SUB stands for Supplemental Unemployment Benefits - some unions provide additional payments on top of regular unemployment. If your union doesn't mention it, you probably don't have it. Just focus on filing your regular claim with NYS Department of Labor.
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Yara Campbell
Wait I thought union workers got special benefits through their union instead of regular unemployment?? This is confusing because my brother is in a different union and he said something about union unemployment...
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Jade Lopez
You might be thinking of union strike benefits or special hardship funds. Those are completely different from regular unemployment insurance. All workers, union or not, are eligible for state unemployment benefits if they meet the requirements.
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Isaac Wright
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I got laid off from my union job last year. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to call on my own.
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Arjun Patel
AuthorHow much does something like that cost? I'm trying to save money since I'm out of work.
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Isaac Wright
It was worth it for me since I needed to get my claim sorted out quickly. Much cheaper than missing weeks of benefits because I couldn't get through to explain my situation.
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Maya Diaz
THE WHOLE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS A MESS whether you're union or not!!! I've been fighting with them for months over an adjudication issue and being union didn't help or hurt. They treat everyone equally terrible. Good luck getting anyone on the phone!
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Tami Morgan
Just wanted to say thanks for asking this question - I'm also union (pipefitter) and always wondered about this. Good to know we have the same rights as everyone else when it comes to unemployment benefits.
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Chloe Martin
As a fellow union member (teamster), I can confirm everything others have said - you're definitely eligible for regular unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I've collected several times over the years during slow periods. One tip: when you file, make sure to have your last few pay stubs handy because they'll need your wage information to calculate your benefit amount. Also, if you're on any union hiring lists or waiting for callbacks, you can mention that in your job search activities. The key is to file as soon as possible after your last day of work to avoid any delays in getting your benefits started.
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