Workers seeking unemployment help have complaints about WorkOne

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Work One Complaints

Laid off RV workers complain that they're having trouble getting unemployment benefits. They claim WorkOne has long wait times and problems processing paperwork. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Aug 7, 2008 at 7:25 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

ELKHART — Nearly 300 layoffs Thursday at Keystone RV bring the total number of layoffs in Elkhart County this year to more than 3,000.

Those workers are crowding the unemployment office. Many are complaining about from long wait times, paperwork not being filed properly and waiting months for unemployment checks to arrive.

A spokesperson from WorkOne says they are much busier and may have to increase their staff.

For thousands of former RV workers, finding work has become their new full-time job.

"I do factory work in the RVs, and they're laying people off and nobody doing hiring, so I got to lean on unemployment right now," said Demone Goss, a former RV worker laid off in January.

Money is so tight for Goss, he had to trade in his car for a bike.

"It be hard to get food, and I have to pay rent every week. I ain't getting enough money," said Goss.

He says his checks aren't coming in on time. Others say they file vouchers which the office can't find.

"I just called my wife and said you might as well hang the money up. I don't think I am ever going to get it. That's the way I feel," said Earland Eash, who was laid off last month.

Voucher problems have result in more trips to WorkOne and long waits for Eash.

A WorkOne spokesperson says some days are busier than others.

"It depends on the day you come in. Earlier in the week, yes, there are longer waits," said Gary Abell, a spokesperson for Work Force Development.

Abell isn't aware of any voucher problems, but says the staffing could change.

"We are looking at adding additional staff. That is being reviewed right now as we speak," he said.

WorkOne claims it's not having problems getting the checks out on time. The department says most of the delays are caused by paperwork not being filled out correctly.

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