Unemployment Dispute Legal Guidance

Summary

The user, Michael, is facing an unemployment dispute in Iowa. His former employer, Jeld-Wen Inc., is disputing his unemployment insurance claim, citing misconduct as the reason for his termination. The user has an upcoming phone interview with the Iowa Workforce Development agency and is seeking legal representation. In Iowa, misconduct can disqualify an individual from receiving unemployment benefits, and witness testimonies can significantly impact the outcome of unemployment disputes. The user has the right to appeal a denial of unemployment benefits within 10 days. He can find labor/employment lawyers through the Iowa State Bar Association.

Full Conversation

Unemployment dispute
What is the nature of your unemployment dispute, ****? Are you contesting a denial of benefits or is it a different issue?
I was relieved of my job and and granted Unemployment insurance then a month later i got papers disputing it.
Who is disputing your unemployment insurance - your former employer or the unemployment insurance agency?
Former employer
What is the reason your former employer is disputing your unemployment insurance claim?
Saying the termination was due to poor behavior, wich it kind of was but its complicated.
What state are you in? Unemployment insurance rules vary by state.
Iowa
What specific behavior did your former employer cite as the reason for your termination?
Touching another employee
What was the context of this incident? Were there any witnesses or evidence presented against you?
Other employee was "lipping off" to me and i put my hand on the back of his neck and sqeezed a little and said something to the affect of "how bout a little respect kid?"
Did you receive any warnings or disciplinary actions prior to this incident?
No
What was the response of the other employee and were there any witnesses to this incident?

In Iowa, misconduct leading to termination can disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits.
He did nothing. My interim manager was there ,he's the one who reported it.
Did your interim manager provide a written statement or testify against you in the dispute?

In Iowa, witness testimonies can significantly impact unemployment disputes.
Yes
Did you have a chance to defend your actions during the dispute process?

General Information:
- In Iowa, misconduct can disqualify you from unemployment benefits.
- Witness testimonies can impact the outcome.
- Polk County Courthouse, Iowa: +* *-*-*.
Yes
What was your defense and was it considered in the dispute process? In Iowa, the claimant's defense is crucial in unemployment disputes.
No real defense, 4hrs went by,then was called to human resources, filled out papers describing the incident, was put on suspension, got a call e few days later saying "sorry Mike, but not going to be able to bring you back to work, we wish you good luck in your future endeavors "
Did you appeal the decision after your unemployment benefits were disputed by your former employer?
Not yet, August 7th there's * way phone interview, that's why I'm seeking consultation.
What is the name of your former employer and do you have any legal representation for the upcoming phone interview?
Jeld wen inc. And not yet.
What is the name of the unemployment insurance agency in Iowa that you are dealing with?
Iowa workforce development
What is the date of your termination and when did you first receive unemployment benefits?

General Information:
- In Iowa, you can appeal a denial of unemployment benefits within 10 days.
- Iowa Workforce Development: +* *-*-*.
May 24th *, approximately june 25th
When did you receive the dispute papers from your former employer?
July 29th
Have you gathered any evidence or witnesses to support your case for the upcoming phone interview?
General Information:
- In Iowa, presenting evidence or witnesses can strengthen your case.
- Jeld-Wen Inc, Iowa: +* *-*-*.
No
What is your plan for the upcoming phone interview? It's important to prepare your defense and gather any possible evidence or witnesses.
Trying to find a lawyer now and do have all the paperwork.
What type of lawyer are you seeking? In Iowa, employment lawyers can assist with unemployment disputes.
Labor/emploment
Explanation: In Iowa, labor/employment lawyers can assist with unemployment disputes.
Have you contacted any labor/employment lawyers yet?
Trying
General Information:
- In Iowa, you can find labor/employment lawyers through the Iowa State Bar Association.
- Iowa State Bar Association: +* *-*-*.
Thank you.
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your case.