The
Montana Department of Labor & Industry today is providing information to
Montanans returning to work during Phase One of the reopening of Montana’s
economy.
“We at
the Department of Labor & Industry have been intently focused on getting
benefits to the Montanans who have had their employment affected by COVID-19,”
Acting Commissioner Brenda Nordlund
said.
“While we continue to focus on that mission, we also know that many
workers and businesses are reopening and returning to work.”
DLI has
launched a new page on its COVID-19 website focused on providing information to
Montana employers and employees on the phased reopening of Montana’s economy at
dli.mt.gov/return-to-work. The
new page offers information for businesses and workers on the Governor’s
reopening directive, health and safety, and recruitment and job search tools.
“Returning
to work over the coming weeks and months will involve phases and complexities.
DLI is here to help businesses and workers navigate this new environment,”
Nordlund said. “We are all eager
to return to a sense of normalcy, and as we begin that process, new questions
are emerging related to employees being called back to work.”
Returning
to work and Unemployment Insurance (UI)
DLI
reminds Montanans that employees must have a specified reason for refusing an
offer to return to work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.
“If you
have a reason that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as you need to
care for a child who is unable to attend school or their daycare due to a
closure, you may continue to be eligible for benefits,”
Nordlund said.
If an
employee refuses available work due to a non-COVID-19 circumstance, such as the
amount of benefits they are receiving through unemployment is larger than their
former wages, they may not continue to receive UI benefits. Continuing to file
for UI when work is available may constitute fraud. For more information on UI
fraud, visit
uid.dli.mt.gov/report-fraud.
If an
individual returns to work, but with reduced hours or wages, they may still be
eligible for partial UI benefits.
“As
outlined in the Governor’s directive, employers are obligated to accommodate
their employees and ensure a safe working environment,”
Nordlund said. “We
at DLI can assist you with information on workplace safety and health.”
DLI
continues to encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for UI to file
a claim online at MontanaWorks.gov, or at mtpua.mt.gov for those that fall
under the
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
eligibility guidelines
.
Those with technical, eligibility or benefits questions are encouraged to view
the COVID-19 resource website at
dli.mt.gov/covid-19. A variety of information for both
Montana workers and employers are available, in addition to resources to help
claimants navigate the unemployment process.