September 18, 2006

Attention All AMFA members with Unemployment Claimants in Minnesota:

In regards to the recent court ruling on unemployment, please note the following:

1) In the event that you do not receive a check with benefits within two weeks of today OR in the event that you receive a check(s) with any amount less than you believe is accurate, you should appeal within the Department and do so on your own.  You do not need a lawyer to appeal; do not rely on Local 33, AMFA or its attorneys to appeal your claim. Err on the side of appealing if you are in doubt.

2) Do not stop appealing until you are notified of a hearing before an Unemployment Law Judge (and after that you may appeal to the Court of Appeals.)  This may take more than one step to get to an appeal.

3) It is important that you follow 'to the letter' the instructions on how to appeal. The Dept. should provide those instructions on any notice or decision they give you.  If they do not, then call and write them a letter demanding information on how to appeal and stating that you are appealing and always keep a copy.

4) In your appeal papers, be sure to specifically include the case of"  "Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Members vs.. Northwest Airlines Inc and Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota Court of Appeals, Case No. A05-2128 & A0-2379, September 12, 2006"

You do not need to provide a copy of the ruling, but you can. The ruling can be downloaded from Local 33s web site under "legal matters".

5) Watch this web site for more information to help you obtain unemployment benefits.

 Unemployment Office phone # and web site link