Originally Posted by
andreas500
Just to clarify - no employee pays into the "unemployment insurance" - this is only paid by the employer to the state, and in many cases the states have not managed the UI very well, and have had to get loans from the feds. Employees ONLY pay into FICA (Social Security) and Medicare, and the employer matches the contribution (except that FICA contribution for employees has been reduced last year and this year). The states are now required to pay the UI loan amounts back with interest, which at least in Indiana has led to a surcharge on all employers.
It is part of my total compensation is it not? I don't pay directly into a vacation or sick leave bank but that also is a part of my whole package. Whether I directly or indirectly pay into it it is part of compensation. I bet if you look into your employers employee handbook they have it listed as part of your total compensation. I know every employer I've been a part of listed it as part of my compensation.