For certain reasons, will I be eligible for unemployment benefits if I resign?

Question

I am currently working in a place that has been the most stressful in the past 6 months, personality wise with a manager that does not know what she is doing. When I was hired I was told that I have two weeks paid vacations, 3 sick and 3 personal days. As of now, I've only taken 3 days off due to an accident that occurred where a family member had to be hospitalized. Recently when I went in a little late because I was very sick I was told, "You can either come in or stay home just know that your job is in jeopardy?" Because I was sick?? I go into work and I'm told that until next year, I will have no days to be able to take off, even sick, yet my co-workers take "vacation" days off with NO PROBLEM. This is a place that has fired over 10 people by now for no obvious reason, and I know I'm not safe here because people are coming in and interviewing everyday for my position. I was recently told that if I take one more day off I will not be paid for it, but I know what's coming for me even If I go into work..

To get to the bottom of this.. will unemployment cover me if I resign with reasons like above, and also threats that I will be fired if I ever call in sick?? Just wanted a heads up because I have never been let go in the past 6 years of my career, nor have I quit for such reasons.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Generally, you can't collect unemployment for leaving a job voluntarily but sometimes you can if you are fired for unjust cause. Now that can be difficult because you have to prove the injustice and your employer can fight you on getting the unemployment. I would do your best at keeping your job happy for now as far as taking days off and whatnot but if you feel you're being treated unfairly, take action. Many employers depend on their employees lack of knowledge about their own rights. Who's actually made these threats about firing you? Is it your immediate supervisor? Talk to this person about your concerns and see what you can find out. Ask if there is anything you are doing wrong, and, if so, what can you do to better it? If this this is ineffective, go up the chain of command to the next person in charge. Show them you're serious about your job and want to keep it. If you make all the efforts and still end up getting fired, contact your state department of labor and find out more about your rights and what you can do. In the mean time, just to be safe, look at some other job opportunities and see what you might have to fall back on if you should end up losing this job or decide to leave it.