Washington ESD unemployment if fired for refusing overtime - am I eligible?

You should definitely file for unemployment. Refusing excessive overtime isn't usually considered misconduct in Washington. The key question is whether the overtime was truly mandatory and reasonable. Washington ESD will look at factors like whether you had reasonable notice, if it was a legitimate business need, and if refusing created undue hardship for the employer.

I went through something similar with my manufacturing job. Got fired for not working Saturdays because of my second job. Filed anyway and Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is documenting why you couldn't work the overtime - childcare, medical reasons, prior commitments, etc.

File immediately and don't let them intimidate you. I was dealing with a similar adjudication issue where my employer claimed misconduct for attendance. Took forever to get through to Washington ESD to explain my side. Finally used claimyr.com to actually reach an agent who could review my case properly. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Game changer for getting past the busy signals.

this is exactly why i hate corporate america... they fire you for having a life outside work then try to deny your benefits too. absolutely file and fight it if they contest it

You need to file your initial claim ASAP. Washington ESD has specific timelines and you don't want to lose out on potential benefits while you're dealing with the misconduct question. Even if they initially deny it, you can appeal. The burden is on the employer to prove it was misconduct, not on you to prove it wasn't.

Had almost the exact same thing happen at my old retail job. They wanted me to work every weekend plus late nights during holiday season. I explained I couldn't because of my college classes and they fired me for 'not being flexible.' Washington ESD sided with me after adjudication because I had legitimate conflicts that I communicated in advance.

Check if your employee handbook says anything about overtime policies. If they didn't follow their own written procedures for implementing mandatory overtime, that could strengthen your case. Washington ESD looks at whether employers followed proper protocols.

ugh this is so stressful when you're already dealing with being unemployed... definitely file though, worst case they say no and you appeal

Document everything right now while it's fresh in your memory. Dates, times, who said what, any emails or texts about the overtime policy. Washington ESD will want specific details during the adjudication process. Also keep records of your childcare constraints - daycare contracts, pickup time requirements, late fees policy, etc.

I'm dealing with Washington ESD adjudication right now for a different reason and it's taking forever. Can't get anyone on the phone to check status. Might try that claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier - anything's better than getting hung up on constantly.

File immediately and don't second guess yourself. Washington state generally protects workers from unreasonable overtime demands, especially when they conflict with family responsibilities. Your employer calling it 'job abandonment' for leaving at your scheduled time is ridiculous.

Similar thing happened to my friend last year - fired for not working mandatory Sundays because of church. Washington ESD approved her claim because religious observance is protected. Your childcare responsibilities should be viewed similarly as a legitimate life constraint.

make sure when you file your weekly claims you answer all the questions honestly about why you were terminated. dont try to hide it or sugar coat it, just explain exactly what happened with the overtime situation

The fact that it was 60+ hours per week works in your favor. That's excessive by any reasonable standard, especially with only two weeks notice. Washington ESD recognizes that employees have legitimate work-life balance needs. File your claim and prepare your documentation for the adjudication process.

just wanted to say good luck with your claim! this whole situation sucks and i hope washington esd sees it for what it really is - a company that fired someone for being a responsible parent