NYS Department of Labor voluntary quit disqualification - what does this mean exactly?

Voluntary quit means NYS Department of Labor determined you left your job by choice rather than being fired or laid off. However, there are exceptions called 'good cause' reasons that can still qualify you for benefits. Reduced hours might qualify as constructive dismissal if the reduction was substantial enough. You should definitely appeal this determination within 30 days.

I had this same issue last year when my employer cut everyone's hours due to 'restructuring.' Initially got denied for voluntary quit but won my appeal. You need to gather documentation showing your original schedule vs the reduced hours. Paystubs work great for this. NYS Department of Labor considers a reduction of more than 25% significant.

ugh the voluntary quit thing is so frustrating!! they make it sound like you just decided to quit for no reason when really your employer basically forced you out by cutting your pay in half. the system is rigged against workers

I struggled with getting through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks trying to get clarification on my voluntary quit determination. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach a real person who could explain my options. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Worth checking out if you can't get through their regular phone lines.

Just wanted to add that voluntary quit doesn't necessarily mean you can't get benefits at all. My sister quit her job due to harassment and still qualified after proving good cause. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to leave.