How can we solve unemployment problem - what's NYS Department of Labor doing to help people find work faster?
I've been watching the news about unemployment rates and it got me thinking - what can actually be done to solve unemployment problem in our state? I know NYS Department of Labor has job search requirements and connects people to resources, but is there more they could do? I'm currently on unemployment myself and doing my weekly claims, but I'm wondering if there are bigger picture solutions that could help everyone get back to work quicker. Anyone have thoughts on this?
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Harper Hill
Great question! From my experience working with the unemployment system, NYS Department of Labor has several programs beyond just weekly claims. They offer job training through WIOA, career counseling, and partnerships with employers for direct placement. The job search requirement isn't just busywork - it's designed to keep people actively engaged in finding employment. The real solution involves expanding these programs and making them more accessible.
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Lucas Adams
•I didn't know about WIOA - is that something I can access while collecting benefits? My background is in retail but I'd love to learn new skills.
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Caden Nguyen
honestly the system is broken, ive been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my claim status and cant reach anyone. how can they solve unemployment when they cant even answer the phone?
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Avery Flores
The unemployment problem is complex but there are practical steps being taken. NYS Department of Labor recently expanded their online job portal and increased funding for workforce development. They're also working with community colleges to align training programs with actual job openings. The key is matching skills with demand - something the weekly job search requirement helps identify.
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Zoe Gonzalez
•But what if you can't get through to discuss these programs? I've been calling for days about my adjudication status and just get disconnected!
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Ashley Adams
•I had the same phone problem until someone told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually get you connected to NYS Department of Labor agents - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and actually got my issue resolved.
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Alexis Robinson
Same boat here! The bigger issue is that unemployment benefits should be higher so people aren't desperate and can actually take time to find good jobs instead of settling for anything.
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Aaron Lee
This reminds me when I was unemployed in 2019, took me 8 months to find something decent. NYS Department of Labor kept pushing these job fairs but most were minimum wage stuff. I think the real solution is bringing better paying industries to New York, not just shuffling people between low-wage jobs. The weekly claim process was straightforward though, I'll give them that.
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Harper Hill
You raise valid points about job quality. NYS Department of Labor is actually working on this through their economic development partnerships. They're focusing on attracting tech companies, green energy projects, and advanced manufacturing. These create higher-paying jobs that require the kind of training programs they're expanding. It's a long-term strategy but the pieces are connecting.
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Lucas Adams
•That's encouraging to hear. I hope some of those opportunities become available soon - my benefits won't last forever and I want to find something with real growth potential.
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Adriana Cohn
I think one major issue is that the current system focuses too much on quantity of job applications rather than quality. The weekly job search requirements push people to apply for anything just to meet the quota, which wastes everyone's time - both job seekers and employers. NYS Department of Labor could improve by offering more personalized career coaching and helping people target jobs that actually match their skills and salary needs. Also, they should streamline the communication process - if people can't even get through to discuss available programs, how can the system work effectively?
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