The Unemployment Compensation Board of Review has released a proposed rulemaking intended to make it easier for employers to participate in UC hearings remotely. The PA Chamber has advocated for years for more flexibility for employers and supports the UCBR proposal.

 

 

Employers are frequently requested to testify at hearings to determine a former employee’s UC eligibility.  Their participation is often critical to ensuring benefits are directed appropriately and not misassigned to individuals to whom UC was not intended to apply.  The stakes are high for employers as well, as an employer’s UC tax rate is partially based on experience and therefore may increase when former employees qualify for benefits.

 

 

Employers understand their obligation and the importance of hearings but have long sought an alternative to in-person participation. For many employers, participating in a hearing in person can easily consume half a day or more.  Rural employers report long drives; urban employers report traffic and parking difficulties; and small business owners throughout the Commonwealth, who may not have Human Resources or support staff, report challenges leaving their place of business at all.

 

 

The PA Chamber has advocated for many years for providing employers with the option of remote participation in hearings and appreciated the work of the UCBR to advance this proposal. Under their proposed rulemaking, a UC official would be required to accommodate a claimant and/or the employer’s request to participate in a hearing remotely unless there is a specific reason in-person participation is necessary.

 

 

The UCBR will continue to receive feedback from stakeholders and lawmakers before promulgating final rules.  The PA Chamber will continue to closely monitor this process and encourage the UCBR to incorporate suggestions from the business community.