Based on everything in this thread, here's what I recommend: 1. Wait 5-7 business days from when you reopened the claim to see if the training week processes automatically 2. If nothing happens by then, you need to contact ESD specifically about "Trade Apprenticeship Training" (not standby or regular CAT) 3. Ask your union training coordinator to verify they've submitted the current apprenticeship program documentation to ESD's Trade Program Unit 4. When you do get through to ESD, request that they review all previous similar claims to ensure consistency in handling 5. Ask for written confirmation of the correct procedure for future training weeks This should help prevent the cycle of conflicting information that's caused problems in the past.

I went through something very similar with my spouse's plumbing apprenticeship! One thing that really helped us was getting a copy of the actual apprenticeship agreement that the union has on file with ESD. Turns out our local had submitted outdated paperwork years ago and it was causing all kinds of coding issues in the system. Once we got the union to update their documentation with ESD's Trade Program Unit, the training weeks started processing automatically. Also, I learned that you can actually check if the apprenticeship program is properly registered by calling the Department of Labor & Industries apprenticeship office - they can verify if ESD has the current program details. Might be worth checking since you've had issues for 3 out of 5 years. The whole system is definitely confusing but once it's set up correctly it should work smoothly!

Wow, what a rollercoaster! I'm so glad you called OAH directly - that was brilliant advice from @Vanessa Chang. It's ridiculous how ESD's system shows these cryptic statuses without any explanation. I went through something similar 6 months ago and spent weeks panicking over confusing status updates. The fact that they ruled in your favor is huge! Even if ESD appeals to the Commissioner, you're in a much stronger position now. Keep copies of everything and don't let them intimidate you during this CRO process. You've already proven your case once!

This is exactly the kind of transparency we need more of in this community! @Lucy Taylor thank you for taking the time to call OAH and then coming back to update everyone. Your experience perfectly shows how misleading ESD's online status system is - "appealed" could mean literally anything, and "CRO Petition" sounds terrifying when you don't know what it means. The fact that you WON your appeal is fantastic news! I'm bookmarking this thread because the advice about calling OAH directly instead of ESD is gold. So many people probably give up when they see these confusing statuses without realizing there are actual humans who can explain what's happening. Best of luck with the Commissioner review - from what I've read, they don't often overturn ALJ decisions, especially on overpayment cases where credibility was a factor.

One more thing - if you're getting close to exhausting your benefits and still haven't found work, look into other assistance programs like SNAP or local food banks. Don't wait until your benefits run out completely.

I'm in a similar situation - lost my manufacturing job after 6 years and just filed for unemployment. Reading through all these responses is really helpful but also kind of scary knowing there's a hard 26 week cutoff. I'm planning to be aggressive with my job search from day one. Has anyone here had success finding work in manufacturing after being on unemployment? I'm wondering if I should also look into other industries or stick with what I know. The job market seems pretty competitive right now.

One more thing - if you do get fired, file your claim immediately. There's a one-week waiting period and benefits are only retroactive to when you filed, not when you lost your job.

This is a tough situation and I feel for you. I've been through something similar and here's what I learned: Washington ESD will scrutinize ANY termination that seems suspicious. If you're dealing with genuine harassment or hostile work environment, start documenting everything NOW - dates, witnesses, emails, anything concrete. Consider filing complaints with HR first (even if you don't expect results) because ESD wants to see you tried to resolve things internally. If you do end up quitting for good cause, you'll need rock-solid evidence. And honestly, getting fired "on purpose" is incredibly risky - they're really good at spotting manufactured terminations. Focus on building your case properly rather than gaming the system.

Update us on what happens! If you do manage to get through by phone, ask the agent to check if there are any flags or issues on your account causing the pending status. Sometimes there's a simple verification step needed that isn't obvious in the online portal.

That's awesome news Diego! So glad you got it resolved. This is exactly why I always tell people to call for payment issues - the messaging system just isn't built for time-sensitive problems like pending payments. The fact that there was an employer response holding things up shows how these issues often need immediate attention that only a phone agent can provide. Hopefully this helps other people in similar situations realize that sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and spend the morning trying to get through by phone.