NYS Department of Labor claim after being replaced by automation - what type of unemployment?
So my factory job of 8 years just got eliminated because they installed some new automated machinery that basically does what I used to do. When I filed my NYS Department of Labor claim, they asked about the reason for separation and I wasn't sure what category this falls under. Is this considered a layoff due to lack of work, or something else? I'm worried I marked the wrong thing on my weekly claims and it might affect my benefits. Has anyone else dealt with being replaced by automation and filing for unemployment in NY?
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Abigail Spencer
This would typically be classified as a layoff due to lack of work or reduction in workforce. From NYS Department of Labor's perspective, automation that eliminates positions is considered an involuntary separation, not misconduct. You should be eligible for regular UI benefits as long as you meet the other requirements. Make sure you're documenting your job search efforts properly since that's still required even in automation displacement cases.
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Anita George
•Thank you! That's what I put on my initial claim but I wasn't 100% sure. Do you know if there are any special programs in NY for workers displaced by technology?
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Logan Chiang
same thing happened to me at the warehouse last year, they brought in these picking robots and eliminated like 40 positions including mine
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Isla Fischer
•That sucks man. Did you have any trouble with your unemployment claim? I'm always worried they'll find some reason to deny benefits.
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Miles Hammonds
I had a similar situation and ran into issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify my claim status. The phone lines are always busy and the online system doesn't always give clear answers about adjudication. I ended up using a 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 that shows how it works. Really saved me weeks of frustration trying to get through on my own.
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Ruby Blake
•Never heard of that but might be worth looking into. I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for 3 days straight about my adjudication and keep getting disconnected.
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Micah Franklin
The whole system is rigged against working people anyway. First they replace us with machines then make us jump through hoops just to get benefits we paid into. Corporate America wins again while we fight for scraps.
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Ella Harper
•I understand the frustration but the important thing right now is making sure your claim gets processed correctly. Focus on following NYS Department of Labor requirements for job search and weekly certifications so you don't lose benefits over technicalities.
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Isla Fischer
wait so if robots take your job you can still get unemployment? I thought there had to be like a specific reason or something
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Abigail Spencer
•Yes, technological displacement that results in job elimination qualifies for unemployment benefits in NY. The key is that it's involuntary separation through no fault of the employee. As long as you meet work history and wage requirements, automation displacement is covered.
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