To the editor:
Like lots of Mainers, I get laid off from my job in the winter. I opened my unemployment claim online a few weeks ago. Then I get a letter stating I have been scheduled for a “fact finding interview” regarding deductible income on December 14! Keep in mind I was laid off from my last job where I worked for most of the summer and was not fired/dismissed nor did I quit. Then I find out by checking the status of my next week’s payment that I will not be getting any money until this all important “interview” is over. That’s great! Not only do I and someone from the Maine Department of Labor have to waste our time with this, but now I will not be receiving any money for the next month! I went through a similar thing last year so I know that it will be resolved but not for a month! How am I supposed to eat? Pay for housing? Buy gas to search for work? All the things that this money is supposed to be used for! So, knowing that I do not have enough money to make it a month with no income I tried calling the unemployment office. Ha, ha … I invite anyone to try it any time of the week at any time of the day (1-800-593-7660). Just for fun try calling and asking a question! You will hear an opening message saying they are using this system to better “serve” you! Then you will be told they do not have time for your call.
Congratulations to the Maine Department of Labor you have turned an already bad situation into a humiliating, frustrating, and demeaning one! I guess between walking to job interviews and the soup kitchen, I should keep trying to call you on my disconnected phone. I’m glad this system is to “better serve me”!
Caribou
