Washington ESD claim denied after minimum wage job loss - why does raising minimum wage increase unemployment?

This is actually a common issue. When minimum wage increases, some employers do reduce hours or staff to control costs. However, that doesn't mean you were fired for cause. If you were laid off due to economic reasons, you should be eligible for UI benefits. You need to appeal this decision with Washington ESD immediately.

same thing happened to my friend last year when seattle raised theirs. small businesses cant absorb the costs like big corporations can

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about a similar situation and can't get through their phone lines. The hold times are insane and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

The minimum wage debate is complicated but your unemployment situation is straightforward. If you were laid off due to business reasons, Washington ESD should approve your claim. The fact that it was related to wage costs doesn't matter - you weren't fired for misconduct.

This is exactly why I voted against the minimum wage increases. Small businesses suffer and workers end up on unemployment anyway. It's counterproductive policy that hurts the very people it's supposed to help.

ugh the whole system is broken. minimum wage goes up, jobs disappear, then washington esd makes it impossible to collect benefits. what are we supposed to do??

For your appeal, gather any documentation showing it was a mass layoff or business closure. Emails, notices, anything that proves it wasn't individual termination for cause. Washington ESD appeals are usually decided within 4-6 weeks if you provide good documentation.

I work in HR and see this situation regularly. When employers cite 'economic reasons' for layoffs, it's almost always qualifying for unemployment benefits. The Washington ESD determination sounds like an error that should be easily overturned on appeal.

The economic argument about minimum wage is complex but your unemployment case seems clear cut. Restaurant industry sees a lot of these situations unfortunately. Good luck with your appeal!

Update: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to Washington ESD today! Took about 20 minutes total instead of the usual hours of calling. Worth checking out if you need to discuss your appeal directly with an agent.

minimum wage laws have unintended consequences but that doesnt help your situation right now. focus on the appeal and get your benefits sorted out first

For what it's worth, research shows that moderate minimum wage increases have minimal impact on employment in most cases. Your specific situation might be more about the restaurant's particular financial situation than the wage law itself.

been through this exact situation. washington esd initially denied my claim too but the appeal was successful. just make sure you emphasize it was a reduction in force, not individual termination

The restaurant industry is particularly sensitive to labor cost changes. Many operate on thin margins so any increase in costs can force difficult decisions. Doesn't make it right but explains the pattern.

File your appeal ASAP and don't wait. The 30-day deadline is firm and Washington ESD won't extend it even if you have a good excuse. Get your documentation together and submit everything at once.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr recommendation. I've used it twice now for Washington ESD issues and it's been really helpful both times. Especially when you need to explain complex situations like this layoff scenario.

Whatever your views on minimum wage policy, this person deserves their unemployment benefits. Being laid off due to business costs is exactly what UI is designed to cover.

good luck with your appeal. the system is frustrating but dont give up. you have a strong case based on what youve described

I've seen this scenario play out multiple times in different industries. The key is documenting that it was an economic layoff affecting multiple employees, not individual performance issues. Washington ESD should reverse their decision once they see the evidence.

Hope this gets resolved quickly for you. Unemployment system can be confusing but appeals often work when you have legitimate cases like this one.