Home     Contact Us    
Main Board Job Seeker's Board Job Wanted Board Resume Bank Company Board Word Help Medquist New MTs Classifieds Offshore Concerns VR/Speech Recognition Tech Help Coding/Medical Billing
Gab Board Politics Comedy Stop Health Issues
ADVERTISEMENT




Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Unemployment compensation

Posted By: MT4eight on 2009-05-31
In Reply to:

Has anyone been able to collect unemployment due to lack of work? This is towards those who are employees and not ICs.  I was just wondering if we are eligible for something like that.  I've never collected in my life and was just curious if anyone else had. 


Complete Discussion Below: marks the location of current message within thread

The messages you are viewing are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select the boards given in left menu


Other related messages found in our database

Question about unemployment compensation

I work for a national that introduced a new platform several months ago that has had problems virtually daily, ranging from bad sound, jobs not showing up on line count, to long jobs actually being "taken away" from someone and given to someone else after the original person completed most, if not all, of the job.


The newest problem it now has seems to be that you can't access work on this program when work truly does exist.  However, it's impossible to tell if the program isn't working or if there truly isn't any work.  So you never know just what's going on.  Tech support can't fix the problem, and if management cares, they sure don't show it.  In addition to all this, my account has suddenly been overstaffed, so I'm constantly fighting for jobs.  I can't tell if the new person is being played as a favorite, if the program is malfunctioning or if there simply isn't any work.  As a result, I can't earn enough money to pay my bills, and this is through no fault of my own.


If I quit under these circumstances, can I collect unemployment (until I can find another job)?  Does anyone know? 


TIA.


New MT compensation
Does anyone know what the range is with the new MT compensation package?
SPI compensation
Was an MT at SPi, but gone now...you MTs who are still there for some unknown reason and who are fighting for work need be standing up for yourselves. If this company expects you to commit to a schedule and sit there until the work shows up (or doesn't show up until your shift is over and the night person gets it), then they should be paying you unemployment....call your local labor department in your state and they will tell you this. This just isn't fair. AND, if you think this new line rate increase they gave you is a raise think again - they did that to try to make up for what they've taken away, making it a less bitter pill for you to swallow....makes me gag, quite frankly and sad that you guys sit there and take it. You can rest assured that if they realize their profit margin is still not what they expect with this new plan, they will be taking money out of your pocket another way either in the way of benefits of some other behind the scenes change in the counting configurations, or they will pull you from your primary account and putting you onto a more difficult one that they charge more on. Do the math....just more smoke and mirrors, in IMO.
SPI New Compensation

Wondering if other SPI MTs are seeing a huge difference in their lines with SPIs new compensation plan.  Even without counting the headers, which I previously did get credit for, it looks like at least a 30% decrease.  Is that possible or am I missing something?  I certainly did not get enough of a bump in my line rate to cover this.  


compensation
5 cents a line??? you have got to be kidding!  How can you make a living on 5 cents a line??
SPI New Compensation
Now that it has been a few weeks since SPI announced their new compensation plan, I am wondering -- Is anyone at all making more money than they were before?  Also for those who are not, how much of a cut has it worked out to be per hour?  In my case, it has been at least a cut of a few dollars an hour.  This is not my main job (thank goodness), but I am wondering how it is working out most of the MTs who have stuck with them through all of the chaos of the last year.   
your compensation? You get sm
your compensation in the form of your paycheck. Your employer expects the best you can give and I hope your employer hires the best MTs out there. Also what about safety to the patient? Somewhere it seems to me that some MTs are forgetting that there are actually real PATIENTS behind these reports! You have a bad attitude!
UE compensation at 50% - that's just a bit - SM
higher than having to go to VR from MT (4 cpl from 8, 8.5, 9) which is 45% to 50% of regular pay.
transcend compensation..sm
Would anyone be willing to share what Transcend starts pay at for employees and independent contractors?
Compensation not listed

Has anyone else ever emailed a company when they do not list their rate of compensation only to be ignored?  This really irks me.  Why can't they just list what they are offering so we don't have to waste our time?  This really annoys me. 


Compensation Plan
I actually did not expect to make more but did not expect to take the hit I have taken. I expected a wash money-wise at the very least. They were already scrambling to try and keep people, so I just cannot understand the logic on their end. They say they need an American staff but their actions show another direction.
WHAT IS THE COMPENSATION FOR 'GIVING THE BEST I CAN?' ..sm
Error-free reports?
Are you planning to eliminate QAing and raise the cpl rate for MTs?

Awaiting your answer.
Hmm. Wonder what the "incentive" compensation is for?
Could it be a less inflammatory euphemism for a a bonus given for driving out the pricey US MTs, thereby self-fulfilling the 'No MTs in America justification for offshoring?

Those of you with a little bit of a memory may recall that the same thing was done to our IT/CS people back 10 years ago. A lot of people either shrugged and said they were overpaid anyway or figured it couldn't happen to them.

What's that poem about First they came... We all should have stood up against the offshoring years ago. Now they've come for us.
Yes, that is the way I read the email. MORE than adequate compensation
lllll
Come on gals...the compensation..ah...putting it tamely...>>
IT stinks! It's becoming worse, if that is possible. There is a better way of compensating MT employees, take into consideration, naturally primary, education, et cetera. I think I mentioned it here before, but I do not recollect having received a response.
Some thing HAS to be done, and soon. For we, the ole' timers, like the actual hands-on approach, and it is still FUN! That's what it's all about and really should be, Job=Fun, as it also appears to me. Let's not lose it to a bunch of unpredictable terminators. javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
QA compensation - anyone happy with what you're making?

I'm sorely tempted to look into a QA position and I was wondering how the compensation compared to transcribing.  I would love to be paid hourly, but it seems most offer by-the-line pay.  I know there are variables (platform, ESL, etc.) but I'm trying to come up with some type of comparable compensation formula just as a jumping-off point for negotiation.  Anyone care to elaborate on what they're earning, how they're paid, and how this compares to their transcribing earnings? 


Difficult dictation = higher compensation
If management would manage supervisors, we would all be happier people. Morale suffers greatly when there is an uneven playing field - especially when money is at stake.

Do you realize how miserable an MT is when she is struggling to hear a single word, wondering if she can meet her lines (and her bills) to keep her job, knowing full well that others are making so much more money and gaining admiration by cheating? That is what kills me.

Good luck in your endeavor.
I agree with youl, but be smart enough to ask for this compensation in advance!
x
Excellent! Congrats on finding an employee status job with decent compensation! nm
nm
Can IC even get unemployment?
:+
Unemployment

This is very interesting to know.  Maybe it is something to consider when given an option to work as an IC or an employee.  If you don't mind me asking, what state are you from?


Anyone Know Unemployment Law?
What is unemployment situation when US employer is defunct but employees (supposedly) get absorbed by off-shore company?
Unemployment
Ok - not quite sure why this has been such an issue. When I applied for unemployment, it was KS actions that determined that I was unemployed. Just as if I had any other kind of job - had I been laid off or terminated - I would have applied for unemployment - I don't know who wouldn't. So, I'm not quite sure why this has been so blown out of proportion. My counselor is the one who had to deal with KS - and they reported back to me what was going on - not the other way around. I had nothing to do with the determination of whether or not I was entitled to unemployment. That was determined by the laws in my state and I was told that my previous employer did not understand the law - I did not say that to just be saying it. A lot goes into the determination of unemployment and if you meet the criteria - then you begin to receive your benefits. In searching for MT jobs, there are not a tremendous amount of jobs that met the criteria of what I was working with KS. I immediately found work as an IC and received only the difference in the amount I earned and the amount of my benefit. I was never offered anything of employee status, so I just stayed with the IC job. I would ask - if you or your spouse lost your job - would you not apply for unemployment? Until you are in that position, I would ask that you not judge what others do. Perhaps someone out there has learned something from these posts, if nothing more than to file for unemployment if they lose their jobs. Certainly there are people losing jobs everyday - lest the job-seekers boards would not have new job postings everyday. I do not take offense at those who have called this fraud or illegal - I just realize that they are ignorant of the unemployment laws of their state. My next post for companies is what information they can and cannot give legally on previous employees if contacted for a reference. That will open some eyes, I am sure.
Unemployment
How long do you have to be at a place of employment before you can collect unemployment?
unemployment?
They go by last two years, you have to have enough months in a two year period - check your local office online

Unemployment
Most of the time as long as you are laid off or fired for reasons that do not entail stealing or being drunk on the job does not matter how long you were on the job. -- exception might under 30 days but am not sure.  However, what you are paid depends on the last 4 to 5  quarters (which is 12 to 18 months ago) prior to the quarter you are in.  If you get laid off after June 1st, you check is based on the first quarter of 2007 and possible all of 2006. Again like other posters have said, check out your state.  If you were not employed much in the the past year and half, your check will be quite small if anything at all.    Again go on line to your state page and it will direct you to the unemployment page.  You must be employee and not IC. 
You should be able to get unemployment
The unemployment office will contact SPI to verify that you were, in fact, laid off and will ask for the reason why you were let go. You should qualify for unemployment until you find another company. Good luck!
I would take unemployment!
The same thing happened to me 4 years ago.  MQ took my job and I refused to go with them.  I then waited until I found a decent company to work for.  If you are used to working in-house, it might take you a while to find a company that is a good fit for you.  Good Luck!!
SPI and unemployment

Please excuse typos in first note.  Long day, even longer week!


Thanks.


And don't we pay our OWN unemployment? sm
I was under the impression WE pay into it, the company doesn't. Check your pay stub.
Unemployment
I wonder if they offer you another shift if you can get unemployment. I mean not many people can do a third shift. I know I can't - I'd fall asleep!
IC and unemployment
Depends on what state you live in. In Oregon, you are screwed...been there.
did you get unemployment??
x
TT and unemployment...sm
Just wondering if anyone there has filed for unemployment and gotten it?  I have worked every day this pay period and won't make my lines.
unemployment
I don't think we are eligible for unemployment, as we are not employees. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Unemployment
The sad thing is we can't get unemployment and we are not to retirement age yet!  Good luck to you too!  My husband actually suggested I start housecleaning other people's houses for a living - at this rate it may pay better - LOL
No you can't quit a job and get unemployment.xc
x
Unemployment Rights
Hi - sorry about your unfortunate experience with Spheris. I don't know if the unemployment laws for the state in which you reside or the state in which THEY reside would apply. Anyway, here's the Tennessee website for employee/employer rights: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/esdiv.html. Perhaps this is your chance to start off 2006 with a company that appreciates what you bring to the table, utilizes your talents effectively, and allows you to grow while making a living wage! Best of luck!
Another point is unemployment. Think about it. They are
evading tax laws. Report them to your state. The state will get them eventually. Believe me. I know mine is working on this one company and I believe I will check with them to see if they have done anything yet. When they actually return a late fee to the taxpayer, that means they have finally listened and they did pay all late fees they ever charged me because as an employee, that is not my job to do the taxes. It is the employer's job.

A good company will abide by the tax laws. A company that tells you they do not have to pay your state tax has not done their homework. When they get zammed by your state with late fees, then they will find out.
Unemployment/COBRA

They said we should apply for unemployment asap but how can we do that if we are still working for them until 7/7?


Also, how much is unemployment usually? I've never been on it. I've heard it is about 66% of your usual pay? Is this correct?


Also... can you apply for Medicaid with unemployment? The COBRA rate is at least $540 for myself and my daughter. :(


When do you file for unemployment?

My job has not had any work for 2 weeks now.  If there is no work, can you file unemployment?  Or do I wait until they let me go and then file?


 


Thanks


Yes it is - that's why I do not think she can quality for unemployment.
nm
me too!!!! just got the call :( :( unemployment here I come.
xx
with unemployment like it is - if you got offered TAKE IT
who cares if it's harder or easier. So many out of work. So many trying to get jobs. TAKE WHAT YOU CAN GET.
I have been drawing unemployment -
I live in Georgia and I was able to draw unemployment due to lack of work.  I had to meet the requirements of having been hired as a full time employee and there not being enough work for full time anymore.  If you are going to apply, keep meticulous records in case they deny you and you have to appeal.  Every week I have to report how much I did make that week and they subtract that from my benefits.Email me if you need to talk more.
I have been drawing unemployment -
I live in Georgia and I was able to draw unemployment due to lack of work.  I had to meet the requirements of having been hired as a full time employee and there not being enough work for full time anymore.  If you are going to apply, keep meticulous records in case they deny you and you have to appeal.  Every week I have to report how much I did make that week and they subtract that from my benefits.Email me if you need to talk more.
UNEMPLOYMENT LINE! THEY PAY MORE THAN 50%, not like VR - nm

You can only quit a job and collect unemployment under

extenuating circumstances.  I quit a job where the boss was temperamental.  He would cuss, punch holes in the wall, and scream at us.  One of his employees kept making rude and suggestive (more than suggestive) remarks to me, even telling me he was going to rape me.  Another employee actually grabbed my shirt and bra right in front of customers.  When I complained to the boss about the sexual harrassment, he told me I was a big girl and could handle myself.  I quit.  I went to the unemployment division, and they said I could collect unemployment benefits, as well as file a lawsuit against the owner for not stopping his employees' behavior and for a hostile work environment.  I got offered a decent job less than an hour after that, so I didn't bother.  I always think that maybe I should have.... 


Anyway, I doubt you could collect unemployment in your situation.  You need to start job hunting now. 


I fiiled unemployment with MedQuist and got it,
x
filed for partial unemployment

I don't know completely your situation, but a few years ago, I filed for partial unemployment while employed at a service b/c the workload was extremely sparse and did receive it.  When I filed, I also went looking for a new job and found one within a month. 


My suggestion like others is to start looking now for a new job, but if the workload is low, you could possibly get partial unemployment now until a new job is found.  Every state is different, so you would have to check with the unemployment office in your state regarding benefits, insurance, etc.  Good luck in your search!


It's called structural unemployment..
for US losing jobs to offshore. It is not necessarily a bad thing though because it forces Americans to find other jobs and be creative (my husband and I are building a new business) here in the US. When we run out of something here in the US, Americans get going and find something new to do!! It will in the end actually make our economy better. I like to think of it being similar to the post WWII technology revolution when machines replaced people in assemblyline work. Americans recover and our economy will be better off for it. We are a brilliant country and from this, we will also recover. I have about 1 year in MT left and I can't wait to get out and leave the low pay and no respect to the offshore. If they can do and want to for the pennies they get, more power to 'em!!