After you get through to ESD and fix the restart date, make sure to double-check that you've met the job search requirements for that week too. Even though it was for training, you still need to list 3 job search activities unless he has formal standby status. Just wanting to make sure you don't hit another roadblock after fixing the date issue!

Just to follow up - were you able to reach ESD and get the restart date fixed? Union training weeks can be tricky in the system, but they should be able to resolve this if you explain the situation clearly.

btw my friend who works at esd says they look at if u tried to fix the problem b4 quitting. like did u talk to ur boss about the overtime? did u try to fix the schedule? did u report to HR? make sure u have proof u tried to fix it first!!!

If you do decide to quit and file, be prepared for a LONG adjudication process. Quit claims almost always go to adjudication, which means an ESD adjudicator will interview both you and your employer separately. They'll ask detailed questions about the situation and want to see your evidence. I'd recommend preparing a written timeline of events with dates and a summary of how you tried to resolve the issues before quitting. Also, be ready for your employer to potentially fight your claim and present their own version of events.

has anyone tried going to the worksource office in person? i heard they can sometimes help with esd issues even though they're separate

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through! Used the 3:15pm timing suggestion and the menu shortcut from @casual_commenter. Was on hold for 47 minutes but finally spoke with someone. Turns out my claim was flagged because I quit my previous job when my husband got transferred. The agent was actually really helpful and explained that I need to provide documentation of my spouse's job offer and our relocation. She put notes on my account and said the adjudicator should review it within 7-10 business days. THANK YOU all for your help!!

lol remember when everyone was saying how much better ESD had gotten after the pandemic?? still the same old garbage systems and impossible to reach anyone 🙄

Quick update for you - I just helped someone last week with this exact situation. There's a specific form you should fill out called the "Request for Refund of Recouped Benefits" that you can find in your eServices account under "Upload a Document." This isn't well known, but it can start the process without having to call. Still, calling will speed things up considerably once you've submitted the form.

I don't want to scare you but BE PREPARED for them to side with your employer. My hearing was a complete joke - the judge interrupted me constantly and seemed to have made up his mind before I even spoke. The whole system is designed to deny benefits! I had to appeal the appeal and that took ANOTHER 2 months. Make sure you record the hearing (they'll tell you how) so you have evidence if you need to escalate.

Just wanted to mention - my sister works at WorkSource and she said they offer free workshops on preparing for unemployment appeal hearings. Might be worth checking if your local office has something similar? They can help you organize your evidence and practice answering the types of questions the judge might ask.