UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Program
The 2023 online applications are now being accepted for the UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship from any student who has graduated from high school, will be graduating in the spring of 2023, or received their GED. This year the application will be available from February 13th – May 14th, 2023. The Charity Foundation will award at…
Organizing Win!
Congratulations to the workers of The Lady Killigrew Café, in Montague, MA, who voted 8-0 to form their union! Workers fought hard and are now on their way to bargaining for improved wages and working conditions! #cafeworkersunited
Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) and the UFCW Free College Program Update
Greetings: I am writing today to share some updates about Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) and the UFCW Free College Program. As you may remember, earlier this year, EGCC was forced to suspend the Free College Program by the Department of Education due to the Department’s belief that the Program violates Title IV of the…
Important Update on UFCW Free College Program Status
Since 2016, the UFCW has been committed to helping our members and their families build a better life through our continuing education programs. We started this with our Free College program and were able to expand our offerings to include GED classes, foreign language classes, and workforce essentials classes, all at no cost to our…
UFCW Local 1459 Announces the 2022 Scholarship Winners
Our congratulations go to this year’s seniors for being selected as the 2022 UFCW Local 1459 Scholarship Fund Recipients. They have been awarded a grant from among many students who applied for this scholarship.
OSHA – Occupational Safety & Health Administration
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 State Unemployment Benefits Q&A
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 Unemployment Benefits Q&A
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.
Massachusetts State Unemployment Benefits Q&A
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
Phone: 860-263-6975 or 203-455-2653 (for information but not for filing claims)
Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
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.
When should I file for unemployment?
You should file as soon as possible. Massachusetts 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 will be approximately half of your average weekly wage up to a maximum of $823. You also get $25 per dependent child up to an amount that is half of your UI check. For a personalized estimate of your benefits, you can use this benefit calculator: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-your-unemployment-benefits-are-determined#unemployment-benefits-determination-calculator-. 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: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employee-unemployment-faq-covid-19#my-employer-has-shut-down-because-of-the-coronavirus?-should-i-apply-for-unemployment?-.
Who qualifies as an essential employee in Massachusetts?
For a list of essential workers and businesses in Massachusetts, please visit this website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services.
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. Some workers in Massachusetts have additional earned sick leave rights under state law. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/earned-sick-time.