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TWC: Backdating UI claim & work search exemption after AI upgrade slashed hours/pay?

Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my unemployment benefits. My company did an AI upgrade that's been messing with my hours and pay since August. The system's handling more work on its own, so I'm getting a lot of 'No Work Available' messages during my shifts. Plus, there are tech issues causing unpaid downtime. My pay rate dropped by a third! I filed for unemployment on September 1st when I realized this wasn't just a temporary glitch. Now I'm trying to get my benefits backdated to August 9th when all this started. Also asked to be exempt from job searching since I'm still employed and they're working on fixing things. Anyone dealt with something similar or have advice on how to handle this?

Sean Fitzgerald

Ugh, that sucks! I've been through something similar with my company 'upgrading' systems. Have you tried explaining the situation to the unemployment office? Sometimes they can be understanding if you provide enough documentation.

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Anastasia Kuznetsov

Thanks for the advice! I've sent a couple emails explaining everything but haven't heard back yet. Guess I'll have to keep trying 🤷‍♂️

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1M

Zara Khan

Pro tip: always call instead of email. Emails get lost in the void lol

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1M

Anastasia Kuznetsov

Good point! I'll give that a shot. Any tricks for getting through on the phone?

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MoonlightSonata

Man, these AI 'upgrades' are getting out of hand. Seems like every company is trying to replace us with robots 🤖 Hope you get this sorted out OP!

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Mateo Gonzalez

For real tho. My job got 'upgraded' right outta existence last year 😭

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Nia Williams

Y'all need to learn to code or smthn. Can't fight the future 💁‍♀️

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MoonlightSonata

@profile 5 Ok boomer 🙄 cause everyone can just magically become a programmer overnight

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28d

Luca Ricci

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U

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Aisha Mohammed

Sounds sketchy af. You sure this isn't a scam?

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1M

Luca Ricci

Nah, it's legit. I was skeptical too but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imo

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28d

Ethan Campbell

How long did it take to get through?

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Luca Ricci

About 2 hours total, but I didn't have to sit there listening to hold music the whole time. Got stuff done around the house instead

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Yuki Watanabe

Here's what you need to do: 1. Document everything. Keep a detailed log of your reduced hours, tech issues, and pay cuts. 2. Gather any emails or communications from your company about the AI upgrade and its impact. 3. When you call, be polite but firm. Explain that you're still employed but experiencing a significant reduction in hours and pay due to tech changes. 4. For the backdating request, emphasize that you didn't immediately realize the extent of the problem. Many states allow backdating for good cause. 5. About the work search exemption, explain that your employer is actively working on resolving the issue and you expect your hours to increase soon. 6. If they deny your requests, ask about the appeals process. Don't give up! 7. Consider reaching out to your state representative or labor board if you hit a wall with unemployment. Good luck, and don't let the system wear you down!

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Anastasia Kuznetsov

Wow, thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Really appreciate you taking the time to write all this out 🙏

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Carmen Sanchez

This guy unemployments 👆

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Andre Dupont

have u tried turning the AI off and on again? 🤣

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Zoe Papadakis

I'm in the same boat, different ocean. My company outsourced half our dept to India last month. Now I'm working 20hrs a week instead of 40. Still figuring out the unemployment maze myself. Solidarity, brother ✊

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Anastasia Kuznetsov

Oof, that's rough. Hope things work out for you too. This whole situation is such a mess

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27d

ThunderBolt7

Not to be that guy, but maybe its time to start looking for a new job? Sounds like your company doesn't value its employees very much.

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Anastasia Kuznetsov

Yeah, I've definitely been thinking about it. Just hoping things might improve once they iron out the kinks in the new system. But you're right, might be time to update the ol' resume

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24d

Jamal Edwards

Always be looking, my dude. Loyalty don't pay the bills 💯

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Mei Chen

Wait, so ur still employed but want unemployment? Is that even legal??

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Liam O'Sullivan

It's called partial unemployment, genius. Look it up 🙄

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Mei Chen

No need to be rude, I was just asking. Sheesh

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Amara Okonkwo

tldr: AI took my jerb

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Giovanni Marino

DEY TERK ER JERBS! 🤠

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22d