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Lost Your Job

Lost Your Job

Lost your job?    Let go from work through no fault of your own?   

We have put together this list of services that may be helpful to you in the transition to your next job.

First and foremost, be sure to check your union contract for fair and equitable lay off procedures and other important rights concerning your separation from employment.

For those who are laid off through no fault of their own, unemployment insurance benefits may be available. Benefits can be applied for on-line at Apply for UI Benefits or by phone at 1-800-318-6022.The Washington State Employment Security website provides answers to common questions about unemployment insurance and information regarding other jobseeker services.

If you’ve been denied unemployment benefits, the Unemployment Law Project may be able to help represent you in the appeals process.

Over 60 WorkSource Centers across the state provide free services for those looking for work including access to computers, job listings, workshops, labor market information, opportunities to network on-site with employers and 20 partner programs (including the Federal Dislocated Worker Program) offering a variety of employment and training resources.

Find your local WorkSource Center here: Directory of Washington WorkSource Centers   Important note: You do not have to be unemployed to use WorkSource services.  Whether you are looking for your next job, your first job or a new job .  .  .  don’t forget your local WorkSource Center.

The state-funded Worker Retraining program – available at each of Washington’s 34 Community & Technical Colleges – helps dislocated workers secure valuable job training that may be needed to get to their next job.  Services also may include career planning and job placement, job search instruction and financial assistance.  Here is a list of Worker Retraining program contacts:  Washington State Community & Technical Colleges – Worker Retraining Programs.

A valuable resource for unemployed union members is the AFL-CIO “When the Paycheck Stops” – An Unemployment Survival Checklist.  Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) provides support to unemployed workers impacted by jobs leaving the USA or increased foreign imports making it hard for your employer to compete.  The Washington State AFL-CIO operates the Accessing TAA in Washington State program which can assist you evaluate your situation and apply for benefits.

Local 8 maintains an email list to share job announcements we receive from workplaces we represent.  If you would like to be added to this email list, pleas send your first and last name and email address to [email protected] and mention the job announcement email list.  You can also call our office at (206) 441-8880, ext. 0 or 1 (800) 600-2433, ext. 0, to request to be added to the email list. Remember: Calling the union to inquire about job openings listed by our employers counts as one job search activity in that week for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

Another way to learn about union jobs in the Puget Sound area is to check the MLK Labor Virtual Hiring Hall.

Also, here are a few of the larger Washington State employers with OPEIU Local 8 contracts and who have job information on line.