Just Cause Terminations and Progressive Discipline in Ohio Unemployment Law

Just Cause Terminations and Progressive Discipline in Ohio Unemployment Law

Understanding what constitutes "just cause" for termination in Ohio unemployment cases requires careful examination of both general principles and specific workplace policies. This analysis becomes particularly important when employers maintain progressive discipline systems, as these policies create specific expectations and obligations that affect unemployment eligibility.

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Understanding Unemployment Benefits After Quitting In Lieu of an Impending Termination

Understanding Unemployment Benefits After Quitting In Lieu of an Impending Termination

Many employees find themselves in a challenging position when facing impending termination: stay until the actual discharge occurs, or resign beforehand to preserve professional relationships and future job prospects. What many don't realize is that under Ohio law, quitting before an inevitable termination doesn't automatically disqualify someone from receiving unemployment benefits.

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Understanding How to Qualify for Ohio Unemployment After a Termination for Failing to Meet Performance Expectations

Understanding How to Qualify for Ohio Unemployment After a Termination for Failing to Meet Performance Expectations

The Ohio Supreme Court's decision in Tzangas established several crucial principles that continue to guide unemployment compensation determinations today. Most importantly, the Court held that an employee's unsuitability for their position can constitute sufficient fault to justify a denial of unemployment benefits - but only if specific criteria are met.

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Understanding Unemployment Appeal Deadlines in Ohio: When Extensions Are Possible

Understanding Unemployment Appeal Deadlines in Ohio: When Extensions Are Possible

Filing an unemployment appeal in Ohio typically requires quick action - specifically within 21 days of receiving an unfavorable decision from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). However, there are several important situations where this deadline can be extended, providing crucial protections for claimants facing specific circumstances.

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Non-Covered Employment Under Ohio Unemployment Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Non-Covered Employment Under Ohio Unemployment Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding which types of employment do not qualify for unemployment benefits is crucial for both employers and workers in Ohio. The Ohio Revised Code provides detailed specifications for employment categories that are excluded from unemployment coverage.

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Understanding Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Medical Issues and Absenteeism

Understanding Ohio Unemployment Benefits: Medical Issues and Absenteeism

Under Ohio law, excessive absenteeism or tardiness may provide just cause for termination that would lead to a disqualification from unemployment benefits. However, whether a termination is justified largely depends on the type of attendance policy in effect and the reasons behind the absences.

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Understanding Just Cause Termination Under Ohio Unemployment Law

Understanding Just Cause Termination Under Ohio Unemployment Law

In Ohio, employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits. However, those discharged for "just cause" may be disqualified from receiving these benefits under Ohio Revised Code § 4141.29(D).

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Can You Refuse An Offer to Return to Work When You Are High Risk and Not Lose Your Unemployment?

Can You Refuse An Offer to Return to Work When You Are High Risk and Not Lose Your Unemployment?

Ohio Unemployment will generally disqualify an individual from benefits if they refuse an offer to return to work. Many people have concerns about returning to work during COVID-19, but they do not want to lose their unemployment benefits. Governor Dewine provided some relief for such high risk individuals.

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Ohio Unemployment During Our Time of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Ohio Unemployment During Our Time of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If your employer temporarily closes, or significantly cuts your hours and pay, you might become eligible for unemployment compensation. This should be treated as any other layoff due to a lack of work. As of today, you must have sufficient qualifying weeks of employment (i.e., 20 weeks during your base period with average gross earnings of $269 or more per week).

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Absent a Policy or Prior Warnings, Termination for Using Work Computers for Personal Use Lacks Just Cause - Unemployment News - 9/28/2016

Absent a Policy or Prior Warnings, Termination for Using Work Computers for Personal Use Lacks Just Cause - Unemployment News - 9/28/2016

At an employer that lacked a policy prohibiting use of its computers for personal use, who gave mixed signals regarding such use, and in the absence of prior reprimand or warning, an employee who makes use of the computers for personal use during work hours “did not exhibit sufficient fault to provide just cause for discharge for purposes of unemployment benefits.” 

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