PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper testified last Thursday before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) in support of regulations intended to make it easier for employers to participate remotely in Unemployment Compensation hearings. The IRRC voted unanimously to approve the regulations which will now be implemented by the department.

Employers are often requested to participate in hearings held to determine a former employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits. Employer input is important to help ensure benefits are directed appropriately.  There is a direct impact as well, as employer taxes may increase when former employees qualify for benefits.

The PA Chamber has long sought alternatives to in-person hearings: rural employers report long drives; urban employers often contend with traffic and parking difficulties; and small business owners throughout the Commonwealth, who may not have HR or support staff, report challenges they experience leaving their workplace with what can often be half a day or more.

Regulations promulgated by the PA Department of Labor and Industry’s UC Board of Review would provide far more flexibility, generally allowing employers to participate remotely except under specific circumstances.

Also testifying in support of the regulations was Dom D’Agostino, Vice President of Interstate Tax Service, a PA Chamber member firm that works with thousands of small businesses and local governments to administer their UC programs.