Author: Lisa Wilson

On Tuesday, August 5th, supporters rallied in front Holyoke City Hall to support the DPW employees getting a fair contract from the city.

Our congratulations go to this year’s seniors for being selected as the 2025 UFCW Local 1459 Scholarship Fund Recipients. They have been awarded a grant from among many students who applied for this scholarship.

Under the National Labor Relations Act

Did you know… This is a seminal moment for America’s labor movement. Working people are standing together to create organizing momentum unlike we’ve seen in generations. The key that unlocks all doors for us as a movement is solidarity. That’s why it’s so important we stand with each other by supporting our strong union employers…

Educate- Organize- Share with your Family!  The UFCW Union College Benefit is thrilled to launch a new cannabis-focused undergraduate certificate program! This initiative underscores our commitment to providing accessible, relevant educational opportunities that are in step with the evolving demands of the industry and the aspirations of our members. We understand that as union members…

Due to a decrease in usage of our office’s 800 number, we no longer see a necessity in continuing the service. You can still reach the office at (413) 732-6209 or at our office e-mail: workers@ufcw1459.com.

Whether you’re looking for affordable degree options for your family members or want to continue your own education, the UFCW Discount College Program gives you an affordable and flexible path to earning your degree. All classes are online and you can attend part-time or full-time based on your availability. The new program replaces the previously…

OSHA ensures safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Did you know OSHA…* Can help if you’re having trouble coping with work-related stress. If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope with suicide prevention.* Has a Heat Illness…

Vermont

 

Vermont Department of Labor

Phone:            1-877-214-3330

Website:         https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19

 

Who qualifies for unemployment?

Most workers who are laid off or unemployed are eligible.  You may also be eligible if:  (1) you have COVID-19; (2) you are following a medical professional or public health official’s direction to self-isolate or quarantine; (3) you are not receiving paid sick leave or other leave from your employer; and (4) your employer has closed because of COVID-19.

 

When should I file for unemployment?

You should file as soon as possible using the website or phone number listed above.  Vermont has waived the usual requirement that you continue searching for work.

 

What if I don’t live and work in the same state?

You should file in the state where you work.

 

What percentage of my pay will be replaced by unemployment benefits?

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing the total wages you earned in the six months in the last year when you had the highest wages by 45.  For a personalized estimate of your benefits, see this benefit calculator tool:  https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance/ui-claimants/calculating-your-ui-benefits.  During the COVID-19 emergency, if you are eligible for benefits you will also receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020.

 

What if I didn’t lose my job but am being scheduled to work fewer hours?

You can still apply for unemployment.  You will likely receive at least partial unemployment benefits to assist in time loss if you are working part-time when you usually work full-time.

 

I have a different question about unemployment benefits.

You can look at this page answering some frequently asked questions for additional guidance: https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employees.

 

Who qualifies as an essential employee in Vermont?

For a list of essential workers in Vermont, please see pages 2 and 3 of this document:  https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/ADDENDUM%206%20TO%20EXECUTIVE%20ORDER%2001-20.pdf.

 

What kind of paid sick leave or paid family leave do I get under state or federal law?

The new federal law requires your employer to provide 14 days of paid leave if you have coronavirus or if you are placed in quarantine to care for a family member who has coronavirus.  You must receive at least two-thirds of your wages during that 14-day period.  You may also have rights under the Vermont earned sick time law:  https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/doc_library/Earned%20Sick%20time%20new%20platform%202019.pdf.

 

Connecticut

 

Connecticut Department of Labor

Phone:            860-263-6975 or 203-455-2653 (for information but not for filing claims)

Website:         https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm

 

Who qualifies for unemployment?

Most workers will qualify for unemployment benefits, and during the COVID-19 emergency, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  Please see this website for additional information:  http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/unemployedduetocoronavirus.pdf. 

 

When should I file for unemployment?

You should file as soon as possible.  Connecticut has waived the normal requirement that you continue searching for work during the COVID-19 emergency.  You can only file for unemployment benefits online at the website listed above.

 

What if I don’t live and work in the same state?

You should file for unemployment in the state where you work.

 

What percentage of my pay will be replaced by unemployment benefits?

Your benefit rate is based on the average of the weekly wage you earned during the six months in the past year when you earned the highest wages, up to the current maximum weekly benefit rate of $649.  During the COVID-19 emergency, if you are eligible for benefits you will also receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020.

 

What if I didn’t lose my job but am being scheduled to work fewer hours?

You can still apply for unemployment.  You will likely receive at least partial unemployment benefits if you are working part-time when you usually work full-time.

 

I have a different question about unemployment benefits.

You can look at this page answering some frequently asked questions for additional guidance: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF.

 

Who qualifies as an essential employee in Connecticut?

For a list of essential workers and businesses in Connecticut, please see pages 6-9 of the document at this site:  https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/COVID-19-FAQs.pdf?la=en.

 

What kind of paid sick leave or paid family leave do I get under state or federal law?

The new federal law requires your employer to provide 14 days of paid leave if you have coronavirus or if you are placed in quarantine to care for a family member who has coronavirus.  You must receive at least two-thirds of your wages during that 14-day period.  Connecticut also has a paid sick leave law.  For more information, see page 9 of this FAQ site:  http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF.