Bill to allow in-person UI assistance
4:04 PM - April 7, 2010
Members back effort to improve service during tough times
Local 1000 is sponsoring new legislation which would allow
out-of-work Californians much needed, in-person assistance with
their unemployment claims.
AB 1827 addresses gaps in current law, and would require the
Employment Development Department (EDD) to assign one UI
representative to each of at least 50 one-stop and career
centers.
Most people apply for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits on the
Internet or over the phone. But if an unemployed worker has
problems or unanswered questions, it is nearly impossible to get
through to a representative by phone – millions of calls have
gone unanswered. In addition, the offices housing UI
representatives are not open to the public.
Frustrated by the lack of response on the phone, people are
streaming into the one-stop centers seeking help – only to be
told, in some instances, to go to the lobby and make yet another
call. Currently, employees staffing one-stop centers have little
UI training, nor do they have computer access to EDD’s UI
database.
“We recognize that we need to provide better services to
unemployed workers,” said Margarita Maldonado, Unit 1 bargaining
chair. “This bill shows our commitment to working people during
tough economic times, and we believe that it will save the state
money in the long run and make EDD more efficient.”
AB 1827 is being carried by Assemblymember Juan Arambula
(I-Fresno). The bill’s first committee hearing will happen this
month; no date had been announced as of press time.
Members are needed to lobby, write letters and submit their
stories to pass this critical legislation. To join the fight,
contact Stephanie Burri in the Local 1000 Legislative department
via e-mail atsburri@seiu1000.org.