How to win an unemployment appeal Washington ESD - my hearing is next week

I do have some emails from my supervisor that were pretty unprofessional. Should I print those out? And what about witnesses - can coworkers testify even if they still work there?

Yes, print everything and bring multiple copies. Coworkers can testify but they might be reluctant if they're still employed there. Try to get written statements if possible.

I did try talking to HR twice but they basically ignored me. I have the emails I sent to them too. Does that help my case?

Absolutely! That shows you tried to resolve the issue through proper channels before quitting. Make sure you emphasize that in your testimony.

Is that expensive? I'm already struggling financially since I lost my benefits.

They focus on helping you get through to the right people at Washington ESD rather than charging high fees. It was worth it for me to get proper guidance before my hearing.

Good point about it being by phone. I get nervous talking on the phone anyway. How long do these hearings usually last?

Mine was about 45 minutes. The judge will ask you questions, then your former employer if they participate, then you can ask questions too. Stay calm and stick to the facts.

What if my employer doesn't show up to the hearing? Does that automatically mean I win?

Not necessarily. The judge will still evaluate your case on its merits, but it does make it easier if they can't present their side.

In my experience, employers often don't show up to hearings, especially for smaller companies. But like the previous poster said, you still need to prove your case.

Most people represent themselves in these hearings. If you're well-prepared with documentation and practice your testimony, you should be fine. Lawyers can be expensive and many aren't familiar with unemployment law anyway.

I used a lawyer for mine and honestly felt like I could have done just as well without one. The process is designed for regular people to navigate.

I wish I had kept better records at the time. I have some stuff but not everything. Will that hurt my case?

Work with what you have. Even if your documentation isn't perfect, having some evidence is better than none. Focus on the strongest examples you can prove.

That's a good point. I stayed because I needed the income and kept hoping things would improve after I complained to HR.

That's a reasonable explanation. Most people try to make a bad situation work before quitting, especially in this economy.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. The regular Washington ESD phone lines are impossible to get through on, but their service actually gets you connected to agents who can help with these issues.

I might have to look into that. I've been trying to call for weeks with no luck.

It was coded as voluntary quit without good cause. That's what I'm trying to overturn by proving I had good cause.

How long does the whole process take if you have to go to the second level?

Mine took about 6 months total, but I eventually got all my back benefits. It was worth fighting for.

I probably should have documented things better from the beginning, but I never expected it to get this bad.

That's a fair point to make. Most people don't expect to need documentation until they're already in a bad situation.

My supervisor was constantly yelling at employees, making inappropriate comments, and setting impossible deadlines just to watch us fail. Is that the kind of specific behavior I should focus on?

Yes, exactly. Those are concrete examples of hostile behavior that would make a reasonable person want to quit.

When is the deadline usually? My hearing is next week.

Check your hearing notice, but it's usually several days before the hearing. Call the appeals office if you're not sure.

That's reassuring. I've been so worried that they'll automatically side with my employer.

The judges are supposed to be neutral. If you have a good case with evidence, you have a real chance of winning.

Washington ESD records all hearings automatically. You can request a copy of the recording if needed, but you can't make your own recording during the hearing.

There was no other department to transfer to, and when I asked about taking leave they said it wasn't an option. I should mention that, right?

Absolutely. That shows you explored your options before quitting.

I'll definitely post an update. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice. I feel much more prepared now.

Thank you! I'm still nervous but feel much better about my chances after reading all these responses.

If you need help getting through to Washington ESD about anything else related to your case, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. They were a lifesaver when I needed to speak with someone about my appeal status.