Union carpenter denied ESD benefits for not job searching - but we're on dispatch system?!

Yes, this is actually a common issue with union members and ESD, but there's a solution. Your partner needs to request 'union dispatch status' on his unemployment claim. When he has this status, he's exempt from the regular job search requirements because he's required to accept work through the union dispatch system. Have him call ESD and specifically ask for this status to be added to his claim. Also, get a letter from the union hall confirming he's in good standing and registered with the dispatch system. Submit that through the ESD portal as supporting documentation for your appeal. Until the appeal is resolved, he should still submit weekly claims but document his union hall check-ins as his job search activities. For example, "Contacted union dispatch office to verify placement on out-of-work list" counts as a job search activity.

Ugh the ESD system is TRASH for union workers!! My husband is IBEW and we went thru the exact same thing last winter. The people who design these systems have NO CLUE how unions actually work. So stupid that they expect you to be out applying at random jobs when you'd get kicked out of the union for that!!!

Ya i had this EXACT issue with ironworkers local 86 last month. You need to call ESD and tell them your husband is a union member with dispatch rights. They'll put a note on his file and he'll be exempt from the job search requirements. Instead he needs to check in with the hall weekly and report that as his job search activity. Don't bother with the online system for this - gotta call and talk to an actual person.

Just to add some clarification to what others have said - what your husband needs is called "Job-Attached" status (sometimes also called Employer-Attached or Union-Attached status). This is specifically for union members who take jobs through a hiring hall. With this status, he'll need to: 1. Check in with the union hall at least once per week 2. Document this check-in as his job search activity 3. Be available for dispatch when called He should also get a letter from the union business agent confirming his membership and that he's on the dispatch list. This will strengthen your appeal case. In Washington, union members are still required to perform and document at least one job search activity per week (checking in with the hall counts), not the usual three activities required for regular claimants.

I went through this exact situation with ESD when I was laid off from a commercial project last year. Getting through to ESD on the phone is nearly impossible right now - I tried for two weeks straight. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They have this service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Here's their demo video if you're interested: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I got through to someone, they fixed my claim status right away and I got backpay for the weeks I was denied. Just make sure your husband has his union card number and contact info for his hall rep when he calls.

listen carefully!! while you're waiting for this to get resolved, do NOT make up fake job searches!! that's fraud and can get you in bigger trouble. as others said, your husband should log his union hall check-ins as his job search activity. that's completely legitimate. one activity per week is all that's required for union members with job-attached status. make sure he's documenting dates, who he spoke to at the hall, and his position on the out-of-work list each time.

I had same problem with my ESD claim. Filed appeal and won but took 5 weeks. Just make sure he keeps filing his weekly claims while appeal is processing. Its total BS but thats how the system works. They'll eventually pay all the back weeks if you win the appeal.

Quick update based on all the comments: It's officially called "StandBy" status in the ESD system, but agents might also call it job-attached status. Your husband will need to request this specifically. Also, make sure he continues to file weekly claims during the appeal process, documenting his union hall check-ins as job search activities. This preserves his right to receive back benefits once the appeal is decided in his favor. If he has trouble getting through to ESD, the union may have a designated ESD liaison who can help expedite the process. Worth asking the steward or business agent if that resource exists.

I'm a former ESD appeals examiner and want to add some insider info that might help. When filing your appeal, be very specific in your written statement that your husband is a "union member with exclusive hiring hall privileges" and cite WAC 192-220-045, which covers the job search exemption for union members. Also, include documentation showing he's current on union dues and registered with the dispatch system. The more documentation you provide upfront, the faster your appeal will be processed. Most union-related appeals like this are pretty straightforward wins if you have the right paperwork. One more tip: if the first ESD agent you speak with doesn't seem familiar with union dispatch status, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Some newer agents aren't as familiar with the union exemptions.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to ESD by phone, you can also try using the secure messaging system in your online account. I've had better luck getting responses that way, especially for status changes like requesting StandBy/union dispatch status. It usually takes 3-5 business days to get a response, but at least you don't have to sit on hold forever. When you message them, be sure to include your husband's social security number, claim confirmation number, and specifically mention that he needs "StandBy status for union member with exclusive hiring hall dispatch system" and reference his Local 41 membership. Attach any union documentation you have right in that first message. Also, while waiting for resolution, make sure he's checking in with the hall daily if possible - not just weekly. The more documentation of his availability through the proper union channels, the stronger your appeal case will be.