Advocacy News – May 26, 2021
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced Tuesday they are preparing to re-open their field offices no later than July 12 but possibly sooner. In other positive news, the Workers’ Compensation Agency (WCA) announced there will be limited access to the workers’ compensation hearing sites for in-person trials starting with the docket scheduled for July 12.
The UIA’s announcement is good news for claimants who are having difficulty getting their claims processed and will be helpful as the state moves to reinstate work search and work registration requirements for claimants beginning May 30. Michigan’s requirement to register and look for work has been on hold since last March. The Chamber has been long advocating for this requirement to be restored because we know how desperate employers are for workers. Under the reinstated requirement, individuals on UI will need to create an account and profile on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect website and, under the reinstated work search requirement, individuals must look for work as a condition to receiving benefits. Claimants will be required to search for work and submit details of at least one work search activity per week.
The WCA’s news is positive for employers given all that has been lost conducting hearings virtually. Beginning July 12, there will be limited access to hearing sites for in-person trials.
Please contact Wendy Block with any questions at wblock@michamber.com.