Content Tagged As unemployment
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State-wide job fair next week, Workforce Commission hopes to put people back to work Play Video
July 28, 2021 4:38 PM
BATON ROUGE - The supplemental federal pandemic unemployment benefit is days away from running out and the Louisiana Workforce Commission is trying to get people back to work by hosting job fairs around the state. The $300 weekly federal benefit ends July 31 . It's one of the reasons... more » -
Initial unemployment claims take double-digit drop as restaurants see some bright spots in hiring Play Video
June 25, 2021 10:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - Restaurateur Stephen Hightower says he's seen a significant improvement recently in what had been a Herculean effort to find workers. "We've been able to bring in some great talent over the past couple [of] weeks," Hightower said. "It's a sign of hope." That hope may... more » -
Hiring incentives paying off from some businesses Play Video
June 11, 2021 10:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - Compared to a few months ago, Brad Zito of Drusilla Seafood Restaurant is feeling much more optimistic about hiring, even though the restaurant is not yet fully staffed. "Every single day, we have to discuss, 'do we have enough staff for the amount of business we... more » -
Blamed for lack of workers taking jobs, state to study ending $300 enhanced unemployment program
June 3, 2021 4:29 PM
BATON ROUGE – Amid complaints from business owners and hiring managers, Louisiana will study whether the state should opt-out of enhanced unemployment benefits. An extra $300 is made available each week to people on unemployment aid. The extra money has been linked to a significant slowdown in the number... more » -
Sen. Cassidy says federal enhanced unemployment benefit needs to go Play Video
June 2, 2021 6:05 PM
PORT ALLEN - On a breezy day on the west side of the river, Sen. Bill Cassidy visited with Deloach Marine Services. The Senator met with the owner to learn about the difficulties he is having when it comes to hiring people to work. "We should be coming out... more » -
Senators pushing for Louisiana to reduce unemployment aid Play Video
May 11, 2021 6:46 PM
BATON ROUGE – More governors across the nation have decided to opt out of pandemic unemployment aid Tuesday, and John Bel Edwards is not one of them. His office, along with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says there’s been no talk about it yet. Pressure to do so is building... more » -
Unemployment at its lowest point since start of pandemic
April 16, 2021 9:20 PM
BATON ROUGE - Unemployment rates are at the lowest point since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Louisiana Workforce Commission released information Friday suggesting more people are going back to work. During the week of April 11, 2020, 79,653 new unemployment claims were filed. This year, only 9,809... more » -
Overpayment notice sent in error, woman does not owe $15,000 after all Play Video
February 9, 2021 4:18 PM
BATON ROUGE - There's a new concern for people on unemployment in Louisiana. A $15,000 repayment bill sent in error to someone who's been out of work because of the pandemic. It comes as hundreds still complain to 2 On Your Side about their troubles with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.... more » -
Rising need for restaurant workers signals potential shift in pandemic
January 26, 2021 5:51 PM
BATON ROUGE - Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, more and more signs that read "now hiring" are starting to pop up around Baton Rouge - particularly at restaurants. It's a sign that things could be turning around for unemployment. The Louisiana Workforce Commission reported a 1.3-percent decrease... more » -
'Worst perfect storm' affecting thousands of unemployment claims Play Video
January 25, 2021 6:51 PM
BATON ROUGE - Monday, 2 On Your Side heard from the Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission over long waits and lack of responses to unemployment claims. Sec. Ava Dejoie speaking today amid ongoing complaints about how long it's taking people to get help since they've been out of work... more » -
Governor responds as thousands continue waiting for unemployment benefits Play Video
January 22, 2021 6:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - As another week comes to a close, the Louisiana Workforce Commission still has a backlog of claimants waiting for their benefits. Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards said that the Workforce Commission is doing the best it can to catch up. WBRZ asked him what he'd like... more » -
No update from workforce commission Thursday, call for help continues Play Video
January 21, 2021 6:24 PM
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Workforce Commission provided no new updates Thursday as thousands of unemployed people plead for help. At the Baton Rouge office, a guard stands outside the gate monitoring traffic in and out. Sometimes she speaks with visitors like Natasha Tate. "This is ridiculous. I'm... more » -
Report: US job crisis continues with 900,000 Americans filing for unemployment
January 21, 2021 8:59 AM
Last week, 900,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment benefits on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to CNN . It was a down from the prior week's upswing, when claims increased to 926,000. While it's a positive sign that benefit applications fell again, millions of citizens still need government help... more » -
Call backlog slowly improving for Workforce Commission, thousands still waiting Play Video
January 20, 2021 6:35 PM
BATON ROUGE - The state is finally offering some answers after thousands of people were cut off from their unemployment benefits pending a fraud investigation. There are still thousands of claimants waiting to hear back from someone at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, but 2 On Your Side learned Wednesday... more » -
Unemployment emails continue to roll in, no update from LWC Tuesday Play Video
January 19, 2021 5:58 PM
BATON ROUGE - Tuesday, 2 On Your Side heard back from a handful of people who said their unemployment claim has been resolved. But for every one person who says their claim is resolved, there are dozens more who write in asking for help. Following the holiday weekend, 2... more » -
More unemployment complaints fill On Your Side inbox; La. reports thousands more seeking aid Play Video
January 15, 2021 7:16 PM
BATON ROUGE - It has been a week since the Louisiana Workforce Commission held a Zoom news conference about hiring more people to answer calls and approve claimants. This week, 2 On Your Side has been inundated with emails and calls from people who all have similar stories. Thursday,... more » -
Unemployment situation becomes dire for some; 2 On Your Side hears from dozens Play Video
January 14, 2021 7:18 PM
BATON ROUGE - The unemployment situation in Louisiana is getting dire for some. Thursday, 2 On Your Side heard from nearly 100 people who have been waiting to hear back from the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The calls and emails came from all around Louisiana, and a few calls from... more » -
Complaints fill On Your Side inbox as unemployment office hires more people to return calls Play Video
January 13, 2021 6:13 PM
BATON ROUGE - For the last few months, 2 On Your Side has been receiving multiple calls and emails every day from people caught up in a delay at the unemployment office. So far this week, 2 On Your Side has forwarded requests for help from 26 people. Many of... more » -
Man with lawsuit over lack of unemployment benefits has small victory, will keep court date Play Video
January 11, 2021 6:03 PM
BATON ROUGE - A man who filed a civil suit since he has been waiting on his unemployment benefits said his identity was finally approved Friday after a 2 On Your Side report aired. Michael Hampton learned Friday evening that his identity paperwork had been processed and he would... more » -
Man files lawsuit over lack of unemployment benefits Play Video
January 8, 2021 6:12 PM
BATON ROUGE - A man waiting on unemployment benefits has decided to sue after getting nowhere on the telephone. Michael Hampton reached out to 2 On Your Side earlier this week about his frustrations and his lawsuit. "I might be on the streets," he said. That's a thought... more » -
La. stops, delays some unemployment payouts amid wave of fraud Play Video
November 25, 2020 3:49 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission is reviewing thousands of claims for unemployment over concern of fraudulent activity. As the state steps up its verification, it warned Wednesday, some people awaiting unemployment benefits may notice a delay in payments. Additionally, people applying for unemployment will now be asked... more » -
Fraud claim not investigated, furloughed worker left puzzled as to why Play Video
November 12, 2020 6:43 PM
BATON ROUGE - In July, Drew Enlund learned he had become a victim of identity theft and a fraudulent claim for unemployment benefits was filed under his name and social security number. "The CFO of my organization contacted me and asked if I had applied for unemployment insurance, and... more » -
Another 709,000 Americans filed for unemployment claims last week
November 12, 2020 10:03 AM
During the week of the 2020 Presidential Election, another 709,000 Americans filed first-time claims for unemployment benefits, CNN reports. The statistics, reported by the Labor Department were reported Thursday and indicate a slightly smaller number of initial claims than economists previously anticipated. In addition to this, another 298,154... more » -
New report reveals unemployment claims have fallen to 751,000
October 29, 2020 9:22 AM
Some 751,000 Americans filed first-time unemployment benefits last week, the Department of Labor said Thursday in its final report before the presidential election . CNN reports that the new figures reveal a 40,000 fall from last week's numbers and apparently reflect seasonal adjustments. Unemployment claims have been trending... more » -
Report: US economy added 661,000 jobs in September, signaling a slowdown in recovery
October 2, 2020 5:27 AM
A report detailing the state of America's job market and economy released Friday revealed that during September, t he economy added 661,000 jobs and the unemployment rate stood at 7.9%, an indication of a further slowdown in hiring as the nation’s COVID-19 caseload increases and government financial aid decreases. ... more » -
LWC issues apology after sending letters to unemployed, warning they were overpaid & owe thousands Play Video
September 16, 2020 6:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - Major sticker shock for people on unemployment since some of them received mail that says they owe back thousands of dollars. The letters say people were overpaid, and they have 15 days to file an appeal or pay the money back. After WBRZ aired a 2... more » -
87,000 unemployed workers likely won't qualify for federal aid, governor says Play Video
August 18, 2020 9:52 PM
BATON ROUGE - 10 days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to extend federal unemployment assistance at a rate of $300 per week, roughly 87,000 Louisiana workers don't stand to qualify. After being approved for the assistance, Louisiana expects to have its first batch of funds in... more » -
State grapples with high cost of widespread unemployment, even with federal help Play Video
August 11, 2020 9:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - Days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to continue federal unemployment aid at $400 per week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards says the state is working through how to implement it. "We know that we have a lot of workers who are unemployed, continued... more » -
Unemployed worry about bills; questions hover over executive orders Play Video
August 10, 2020 6:59 PM
BATON ROUGE - There are unanswered questions about what's next following President Donald Trump's executive orders on stimulus payments, unemployment, and evictions. Monday, 2 On Your Side spoke with a man whose life has been turned upside down since the start of the pandemic and could use some answers.... more » -
Work search now a requirement for Louisiana jobless Play Video
August 7, 2020 6:49 PM
BATON ROUGE - If you're collecting unemployment, you'll now be required to look for a job. That typical unemployment requirement was waved the last few months during the pandemic. With the extra Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation ending July 31, millions of Americans are now living off significantly less unemployment... more » -
Another $1,200 stimulus check expected; Republicans working to extend unemployment aid Play Video
July 26, 2020 1:49 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new federal coronavirus aid program could be ready by Monday, the Associated Press reported this weekend. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Republicans have a plan backed by the White House. The Associated Press reported there were plans to roll back the $600 weekly federal... more » -
Congress debates as federal unemployment nears cutoff date Play Video
July 22, 2020 10:27 PM
WASHINGTON - As negotiations continue on a fourth COVID-19 stimulus package, hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers in Louisiana and millions more across the country are days away from losing hundreds of dollars weekly in federal aid provided through the CARES Act earlier this year. "We're head on a... more » -
Weekly federal benefits expiring at end of July Play Video
July 13, 2020 6:52 PM
BATON ROUGE - At the end of the month, the weekly $600 federal unemployment benefit will expire, leaving millions of Americans wondering what to do next. Many people out of work have depended on the benefit to cover costs during the pandemic. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the... more » -
More than 522,000 Louisianians have received unemployment benefits since pandemic started Play Video
June 5, 2020 6:27 PM
BATON ROUGE - The U.S. jobless rate dropped to 13.3 percent in May, down from a record high in April. As the state moves into Phase Two of reopening, the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the unemployment numbers are also down in Louisiana, but new claims are still being made. ... more » -
Louisiana unemployment compensation topping $1.4 billion
May 14, 2020 6:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - Unemployment and the tidal wave of people filing for benefits was a discussion at the Capitol Thursday. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie was there discussing updates and changes to unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic. Monday, the pandemic emergency unemployment compensation started. People who have exhausted... more » -
Louisiana insurance moratorium to expire mid-May Play Video
April 23, 2020 6:31 PM
BATON ROUGE - Thousands of Louisiana citizens have filed for unemployment due to the coronavirus. To address the statewide public health emergency, several emergency rules have been issued by the Department of Insurance. One of them deals with a moratorium on cancellation of insurance policies and non-payment of insurance... more » -
Graduating seniors facing tough job market, services available to help Play Video
April 17, 2020 6:33 PM
BATON ROUGE - College graduates are facing an uncertain future as they venture into the workforce and daunting job market. Millions of Americans are unemployed right now because of the coronavirus, but the number of people seeking jobs is about to grow as millions of college seniors graduate. ... more » -
Additional 275 people answering unemployment calls, wait time still hours for some Play Video
April 9, 2020 6:11 PM
BATON ROUGE - When Lance Albarado was laid off from his job about a three weeks ago due to the coronavirus, he had no idea accessing unemployment aid would be so difficult. He filed for unemployment online and says he was denied. Since then, he's been trying to get... more » -
Nearly a third of U.S. residents didn't pay rent this month
April 9, 2020 12:34 PM
The economic toll of the virus pandemic has reached such epic proportions that CNN reports nearly a third of American renters didn't pay their rent this month. The data, obtained from the National Multifamily Housing Council , reports that of the more than 13 million units covered in the... more » -
Additional assistance for workers affected by COVID-19 arriving soon from feds Play Video
April 7, 2020 10:16 PM
BATON ROUGE - The month of March saw 155,000 unemployment claims filed in Louisiana. Many of those came as a result of business closures due to COVID-19. Moving into April, that number is only growing. "I will tell you, and it should surprise no one, the numbers have gone... more » -
Unemployment benefits expanded to more people Play Video
March 31, 2020 6:48 PM
BATON ROUGE - More people are now eligible to apply for unemployment. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES ACT) expanded the scope of individuals who are eligible for unemployment benefits to furloughed, self-employed, or gig workers. The Louisiana Workforce Commission encourages anyone who might have been... more » -
Unemployment numbers continue to rise amid COVID-19 outbreak Play Video
March 25, 2020 4:50 PM
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Workforce Commission says last week there were more than 70,000 Louisiana residents who filed for unemployment. The LWC typically takes claims from about 1,400 people a week but as businesses switch to a limited staff or temporarily close their doors, more people need help during... more » -
Ascension DPW employees sent home to stay healthy for now, parish-wide unemployment filings reach 2,000 Play Video
March 25, 2020 4:39 PM
GONZALES - Ascension Parish DPW employees were sent home to isolate until plans can be put in place for them to work a safe distance away from one another. Council Chairwoman Teri Casso said the plan was implemented in case there’s an emergency that requires their response. An example... more » -
Unemployment: More money coming, gig workers qualified; Get application info here Play Video
March 17, 2020 3:44 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission has made information available for people who are out of work amid business closures because of COVID-19. New details released Wednesday, April 8th Federal money earmarked to add $600 to unemployment funds has been provided by the U.S. government. The additional... more » -
LWC: Unemployment rate higher among black teens Play Video
May 18, 2017 6:35 PM
BATON ROUGE – This week, the school year will end for several students and summer vacation will begin, which also means that some teenagers will be looking for summer jobs. However, there is a clear distinction in unemployment rates among teens. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the... more » -
Livingston, Orleans parishes eligible for disaster unemployment aid
February 13, 2017 11:32 AM
BATON ROUGE – Disaster unemployment assistance is now available to businesses and residents impacted by last week's tornadoes. President Donald Trump officially granted a disaster declaration request for two Louisiana parishes as a result of a request by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. The Louisiana Workforce Commission is... more » -
Updated office hours to accept disaster unemployment claims
September 9, 2016 10:26 AM
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Workforce Commission has announced updated call-center office hours in order to deal with an influx of disaster unemployment assistance claims. LWC staff members will answer calls made to 1-866-783-5567 to help individuals file for DUA from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays starting... more » -
Deadline for disaster unemployment assistance extended
September 1, 2016 11:20 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission is extending the disaster unemployment assistance application period to Oct. 14 for those who have been affected by the recent historic flooding. Parishes included in the application period are: Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis,... more » -
Office hours extended to accept disaster unemployment claims
August 25, 2016 11:51 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Workforce Commission announced extended office hours for their call-center to accept disaster unemployment assistance claims. LWC staff members will answer calles made to 1-866-783-5567 and assist those who file for disaster unemployment assistance from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice. Individuals... more » -
Boom to bust: Crude oil costing families Play Video
February 23, 2016 12:30 AM
MORGAN CITY- Going to the gas pump isn't the pain it used to be. Many drivers are loving the cheaper prices, but dropping oil prices are placing a burden on residents in places like Morgan City that rely heavily on the oil and gas industry. Offshore workers are being laid... more » -
Data doesn't support Jindal food stamp claim
January 7, 2016 4:53 PM
BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal claimed the threat of kicking people off food stamps spurred them into the job market, but data released Thursday shows that's not exactly accurate. In October the Jindal administration announced 61,000 able-bodied adults had 3 months to find work or lose food stamps.... more » -
Head Start employees investigated for fraud Play Video
August 19, 2015 8:04 PM
BATON ROUGE - Eighty-one Head Start employees were paid $110,978 in unemployment benefits while employed, according to a city-parish internal audit. Officials say most the over payments were accidental, but some individuals are being investigated for fraud. The over-payments occurred during a three year period from 2012 to 2014.... more »