Temporary shutdown at union carpentry job - how to file ESD claim without standby option?

For temporary shutdowns without layoff, you should select 'temporarily laid off' with a definite return date when reopening your claim. Since standby status now requires employer request and approval for most industries, your employer should have filed this request directly with ESD. Double-check with your union rep or foreman if they submitted the standby paperwork. You'll still need to do your three job searches each week unless your standby status is officially approved.

same thing hapend to me last month with plumbers union. i just put temporery layoff and entered my return date. still got paid no problem. the esd website is garbage tho, keeps logging me out too

You need to select 'temporarily laid off' even though it feels like the wrong term. ESD doesn't have great terminology for union construction work with scheduled breaks. Make sure you enter your definite return date. For your job search requirements, you should still technically complete 3 activities per week unless your employer got standby approval. If you want to be 100% safe, do some quick job search activities (reviewing union job listings counts). Regarding your login issues, try clearing your browser cache or use a different browser. If you're still locked out, you really need to talk to someone at ESD directly about both the login problems and getting your December weeks backdated before the time limit expires.

If you're struggling to get through to ESD, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. After dealing with busy signals for weeks trying to get my standby status sorted out, I used their service and got connected to an ESD rep in about 20 minutes. They basically hold your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was super helpful for getting my backdating issue resolved, which sounds similar to what you're dealing with.

THE ESD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN FOR SEASONAL CONSTRUCTION WORKERS!!!! I've been dealing with this exact situation for THREE YEARS and it's always a nightmare. Standby used to be simple but now your employer has to request it. Half the ESD agents don't even understand how union construction jobs work with temporary shutdowns. I bet they're INTENTIONALLY making it harder to collect benefits we're entitled to!!!

Here's what you need to know about your specific situation: 1. For the temporarily shut down week: Select 'temporarily laid off' with your specific return date 2. For job search: You must complete 3 activities unless standby is approved 3. For login issues: Try incognito mode or clearing cache 4. For backdating: You have limited time to backdate claims (usually 4 weeks), so this is urgent Your union contract might have specific provisions for these situations. I'd recommend checking with your union rep about whether they have a direct ESD contact for members with unemployment issues. Many unions have established relationships with specific ESD staff who understand union employment patterns.

dont worry to much about the job search stuff when ur going back to work. just put that u looked at the union job board and checked indeed and ur good

Update: Finally got through to ESD this morning after trying the different browser suggestion (plus using that Claimyr service someone mentioned). They confirmed I should select 'temporarily laid off' and enter my return date. The agent submitted a backdate request for my Christmas week too! She said standby status is now mainly for employer-requested situations with special circumstances, and most construction workers with 1-2 week gaps should just do the job search requirements. Thanks everyone for your help!