Unemployment benefits question

[tmh620]

I work for one of the "Big Three" in Michigan. Last week we were informed that our project had been lost by my current employer and that it would be taken over by a different company. We were also informed that at the time of "transition" the positions that my teammates and I fill will be staying in the building, and that we (the current employees) would be able to interview for those positions within the new company, further that if we chose not to interview, we would be entitled to unemployment benefits. We found out later in the week that in actuality, the positions and the employees are being "transitioned" into the new company. Now, the job that my team performs is technically (figuratively and literally) more in depth than our official job description entails. The job descriptions are quite vague in comparison to the jobs that we actually perform. It lists the job as a systems technician/analyst, when in actuality it is a business analyst position. We make recommendations on situations that run well outside of software systems, or even just a systems aspect of our product. The work that we do defines the cost of the product, the extent of coverage, to what situations the product is applied and so on. We do this along with th4e trouble shooting of the behind the scenes programming of the online system that supports the program.

My question arises from... we have been told that because the incoming company is offering positions to the current team members, we are not eligible for unemployment compensation if we choose not to take the position that is offered. Currently, due to the vague and inaccurate job description we have, our positions are grossly underpaid from that of the national average of salaries for individuals that perform realted tasks. While we cannot discuss our salaries amonsgt each other due to company policy, the tone within the project is that we are underpaid.

Ok, finally the question: How can we not be entitled to unemployment benefits when our current company ceases its role as employer?

Any advice/help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. If more details are needed I'd be happy to supply them.

 

[mlane58]

How can we not be entitled to unemployment benefits when our current company ceases its role as employer?

First; it is not your employer who decides who is eligible for unemployemnt, it is your state that makes that determination. Secondly from reading your post, you are being offered another position, regadless of the pay and the vague job description, if you decide not to take the position, then your chances of being awarded unemployment benefits are very slim and none, but that decision is up to your state ( I assume that to be Michigan).

 

[tmh620]

First; it is not your employer who decides who is eligible for unemployemnt, it is your state that makes that determination. Secondly from reading your post, you are being offered another position, regadless of the pay and the vague job description, if you decide not to take the position, then your chances of being awarded unemployment benefits are very slim and none, but that decision is up to your state ( I assume that to be Michigan).

Yes, the state is Michigan, and I do understand that the company doesn't make the decision, also thank you for the quick response.

I suppose it is just an unfortunate turn of events for the loyal employees that built this program.

One of my concerns is that if I were to accept the new position, and the new employer holds true to their previous pattern of keeping the old workers only until their in-house, lower paid workers are trained...and then they fire/lay me off and it is within 90 days of my hire date...would I have any recourse at that time? Michigan is an "at will" state, and any termination within 90 days of hire needs no explanation. I am worried that for all of my efforts I would get nothing to help support my family after the new company says goodbye with a box and a boot in the behind and an escort to the door, as has been the modus operandi in Dearborn of late.

 

[mlane58]

Again, it is your state that makes that determination for the award of UEI benefits and it will depend on the circumstances involving your claim. If your employer doesn't try and dispute the claim, then the UEI board will most likely award you benefits.

 

[tmh620]

Again, it is your state that makes that determination for the award of UEI benefits and it will depend on the circumstances involving your claim. If your employer doesn't try and dispute the claim, then the UEI board will most likely award you benefits.

Thanks again mlane58, appreciate the quick responses. Have agreat day.