HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – The latest figures from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) show that the unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent in June, meaning that there are fewer people without jobs since the start of the pandemic.
Still, there are many questions surrounding the system.
After three months of waiting, which amounts to more than 14 weeks, Martinique finally received a response from the state employment commission.
The agency’s response to her unemployment claim left her with even more questions.
“For them to say that this is the amount they will get, for them now to say that they are not going to get anything, I just did not understand it,” Martinique said.
News 3 first met at the age of 34 in May. At the time, she had been waiting nine weeks since the first application for partial unemployment benefits on March 22. A week later, Martinique said that the VEC sent him a monetary determination letter stating what his weekly benefits would be.
After dozens of failed attempts to contact the VEC, he finally received news from the agency on June 20. The VEC sent a short email stating that Martinique earned more money than they approved, ultimately denying him any benefits.
“They closed my entire account, so I don’t even have a file with them anymore,” he said.
Martinique, who is a shift supervisor at Chick-fil-A, said that while she may have made more money in a few weeks, there were other weeks when she did not. In those cases, she should have qualified for some monetary compensation.
“I still feel like he should have sent me something, but like I said, now they won’t send me anything,” Martinique said. “It is a kind of joke.”
A spokesperson for the governor’s office, who works closely with the VEC, admits that something could have gone wrong, and is now personally investigating the Martinique case.
Meanwhile, the VEC said it should be easier for people to get to customer service. In the past two weeks, more employees have been hired to help double the number of calls they are answering to 60,000 per week.
Still, it’s not enough for 43 state lawmakers who sent a letter to the VEC Hess Commissioner on July 16 asking for improvements and a comprehensive review of their system by the Joint Commission on Legislative Audit and Review (JLARC).
State lawmakers said they are prepared to support the VEC with additional funds, personnel, or legislation at future General Assembly sessions.
“This pandemic has shown significant gaps in our safety net programs, one evident is our unemployment system. We need to position the VEC to better serve Virginia employees. I look forward to continuing to work with VEC and my colleagues on implementing reform solutions, ”said Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach).
The VEC responded in a letter saying it welcomes deeper discussion and opportunities.
“We are ready to work with you and other legislators to address these complex issues affecting workers and businesses across the Commonwealth and look forward to participating in future conversations,” said VEC Commissioner Ellen Marie Hess.
The letter went on to say in part: “In 2017, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission was directed to review the operations and performance of the VEC. However, it is important to remember that the General Assembly ordered JLARC to prioritize gaming and casino studies before the VEC review. Consequently, JLARC has not yet started its VEC review. We look forward to assisting JLARC staff in their review of the Commission’s operations and performance. VEC staff members have a good working relationship with JLARC staff, and we value their experience.
“Meanwhile, the VEC has undertaken significant efforts to improve service delivery, streamline processes, and better serve the public while operating within the complex framework of state and federal law. We have expanded call center facilities, started technology partnerships with third parties, and started modernizing our digital platforms. “
Martinique believes that the VEC system should be re-examined.
“I still want to know why everything is so backwards,” he said. “What’s the point of having this in place if you really aren’t going to help?”
People who have been denied unemployment benefits are urged to file an appeal and apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
.
