I am writing to express my disappointment with the Department of Workforce Services and their lack of support for workers who are unable to work due to natural disasters or weather-related events.
As an employee of Snowbird ski resort, I was recently affected by the weather-related road closures that made it difficult for me to get to work. In fact, I was unable to work from April 2 to April 19. After the first week, I realized that I should file for some work compensation through the Department of Workforce Services, but I was surprised to find that the system was unable to backdate my claim.
I was further informed that the week of April 9 - 15 is a “hold week,” which means that no funds would be available during that period. I had no idea that I would not be working for almost three weeks when the first road closure happened. Since I went back to work on April 19 and made money, I would not receive any help for those days.
It is disheartening to see that the Department of Workforce Services does not have any claims for weather or road closures that prevent a person from working. As a hardworking American, I believe that I deserve to receive supplemental income from the state when there is a weather-related event that prevents me from getting to work.
I would like to urge the newspaper to investigate this matter and bring attention to the issue. It is important for workers to receive support when they are affected by natural disasters or weather-related events, and I hope that this letter will help shed light on the situation.
Ben Bowen, Salt Lake City
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