Due to the numerous buyout offers that are taking place right now (to multiple titles within AT&T), we have received questions asking whether or not those who are taking the voluntary buyouts will qualify to receive unemployment benefits.
CWA has asked AT&T if they intend on challenging or contesting anyone who applies for these benefits.
The Company has made it clear that they will not provide a yes or no answer on whether or not they will contest any unemployment claims submitted by our members.
Therefore, we cannot state whether or not employees who leave the business will or will not be approved.
That being said, our advice to anyone taking the buyout, is to apply for unemployment benefits.
If you are denied, you can appeal the denial and the local can have a union representative assist you with your appeal.
We have heard from a lot of our former members who, after taking a voluntary buyout offer, have been approved to receive unemployment benefits.
We have been given advice from financial advisors stating that it is important what you put on the forms that you file and that how you frame the reason that you’re leaving can determine the likelihood of your being approved (or not).
Here is the verbiage that we have found to be successful when you apply:
‘Due to AT&T downsizing, and to alleviate a surplus condition, I took the separation the company was offering. AT&T picked my last day of employment’.
Again, this verbiage is not a guarantee for approval; rather suggested language that may prove helpful when filling out the paperwork.
If you have questions or need any assistance, please contact the local at:
(818) 845-9003.
In Unity,
Marisa