Union verification process changes for Unemployment claims

A recent procedural change was implemented to speed up the claims process for Unemployment Compensation in Ohio. While shorter delay periods for members of the building trades to receive their benefits is possible, it is too early to make such a determination.

Since Jan. 1, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services has used a new union verification process for initial claims.

The process has ODJFS employees working directly with Local Unions to verify union members are in good standing. Previously, this was done through fact-finding.

Those applying for Unemployment will no longer be given a letter to give to their union. Instead, members of the building trades who are filing for Unemployment must answer “yes” when asked if they are a union member and “yes” when asked if their union has a hiring hall or referral hall. Applicants must also provide their Local Union’s number and location.

Alphrena Prince, Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations Chief of Staff, said the change is meant to streamline the processing of union members’ claims by eliminating a step at the front end.

Previously, when initially filing for Unemployment, the building trades member had to indicate they were in a union and the Local Unions were required to fax or email a union verification form to confirm the claimant was a member in good standing and available for work. The Local then had to indicate they have a hiring hall, followed by fact-finding and then paperwork.

Under the change, Prince explained that union verification now involves checking a ODJFS registration list of union hiring halls, and confirmation emails will be sent once a week to the Local Union’s designated contact person to review.

Additionally, building trades members must follow new requirements when searching for work. Under the new process, building trades members must engage in two search-for-work activities per week until the ODJFS is able to confirm their union membership.

The first search-for-work activity for union construction workers can be contacting their Union Hall to be placed on the “Out of Work” list. The second activity can be calling a different Local Union Hall (if allowed per Union Bylaws) regarding travel work opportunities.

Until their Unemployment claim is processed, applicants must document two work search activities each week to avoid delays.

Prince added that individuals must accept any offers of suitable work they receive through these services.

Anyone with questions about the process can either contact their Union Hall or the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations by calling 1-877-644-6562 or visiting their website, jfs.ohio.gov.