Photo not that of the actual client.
Having relocated from New Jersey to Jacksonville in 2018, “Eileen” took a job as a customer service representative in a call center located on the city’s southside. The call center was soon acquired by a new company, which placed Eileen and the other transferred employees into a mandatory six-week training program that had a “zero tolerance” policy for absenteeism.
During the second week of training Eileen experienced a flat tire on her way to work. She immediately notified her employer via their automated call-in line that she couldn’t make it to work and then went in search of a replacement tire. Unable to find a used tire she could afford, Eileen went to work the next day only to be told by her employer that she would be fired if she didn’t produce a receipt for a replacement tire.
When she was unable to furnish a receipt, the company not only terminated Eileen’s employment, but it also blocked her from receiving unemployment compensation benefits with a claim that she had engaged in “misconduct.”
Eileen appealed the denial of her claim for unemployment compensation benefits, but while she was awaiting an appeal hearing date, she and her 14-yr old daughter became homeless.
Eileen came to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid seeking help with her appeal and was advised as to how to defend against Cambridge’s claims of misconduct.
As a result of the legal assistance provided by JALA, Eileen won the appeal and was awarded her unemployment benefits. Eileen has since begun a new job and will soon be in a position to find housing for her and her daughter.
“All is going well with the new employer,” Eileen told her legal aid attorney at JALA. “I actually think I’m going to enjoy this job. I’m so glad that this is now behind me, and now I can start trying to make steps towards finding a new home for my daughter and me. Again thank you so much for all your help!”
