Originally Posted by SkiboyOO7

Call your ALPA rep they were in class a few weeks back saying that they haven't heard of the company fighting anyones unemployment status. They should be able to tell you or at least give you some information so you can contact the guys that took the first voluntary and see if they have had any problems.

I also called in and talked with a girl named Sarah and she told me that again voluntary or involuntary the state still looks at it as a layoff and you can get unemployment money. This is what I have found from the MN unemployment website about furloughs.

Tips for workers being furloughed:

You may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits if you are temporarily or intermittently laid off or your hours are reduced below 32 hours per week.

Apply for UI benefits during the first week you are laid off or your hours are reduced below 32 hours per week. You cannot backdate the application. You could lose benefits if you wait to apply.

To receive a benefit payment or get credit for your waiting week, you must request a benefit payment.

Every applicant for UI benefits must serve a waiting week before they can receive any payments. Your waiting week is the first week you are eligible to receive a benefit payment. To be eligible, you must apply, request a benefit payment, and meet the requirements of unemployment insurance.

For intermittent (recurring) layoffs it is probably best to continue to request benefit payments even when you are working your normal schedule. Report the hours you worked and the gross amount (before taxes or any other deductions) of your wages. Payments will be issued for the weeks you are laid off or hours are reduced and no payment will be made when you are working your normal schedule.