Alabama Department Of Labor
Reviews and Complaints

Complaint Details and Description of problem with Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) Unemployment:

In May 2021, I filed my usual continued weekly Alabama unemployment certification for the Benefit Week Ending 5/15/2021 with ADOL. While answering the question, "If not for Covid19 restrictions, were you available for work?", I inadvertently and incorrectly answered "NO", but I meant to answer "YES". By the time I realized my mistake, it was too late to go back to correct as there is no option to do so. Therefore, due to my unintentional error, ADOL placed a hold on the unemployment funds I normally received on a weekly basis throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

This pending issue has not only temporarily halted the ability for me to collect AL Unemployment, but it also stopped the weekly $300 in Federal Cares money. The Federal Cares funds were to be dispersed through June 19, 2021, the date in which the state of AL discontinued this weekly $300 federal aid.

Actions I have taken:

The problem is I cannot get a phone appointment to speak with a representative. I have tried every day since May 19, 2021, as instructed by calling [protected] after 5 p.m. until midnight on Sun-Thurs to schedule a call back for the next day. Each time I begin at 4:59pm CST but only get a busy signal or a message saying, "We are currently experiencing a high call load please call back later." By 5:05pm CST, after calling over and over, the message states, all appointments for the next day are taken, please call back the following day. Since May 19, 2021, I have attempted to get an appt to resolve my issue but have been unsuccessful. I keep getting the same recorded messages. I have tried to solve by calling every day, as well as calling other numbers and chatting with reps on website without any resolution.

Suggested Specific Resolution and Desired Outcome:

As a resolution, I would like to speak to someone at AL Department of Labor that can help me correct my mistake and remove the pending issue preventing disbursement any unemployment funds for the weeks from May 15, 2021, to June 19, 2021. Upon correction of my mistake and removal of pending issue, I would like to receive all unemployment funds from the state of Alabama and the federal Cares, I am eligible to receive.

In march 2020 I was working 2 jobs then came covid 19 and I lost them both. March 29, 2020 I filed unemployment and every single sunday for 1 & half years and report as I was told to do. I still have not got a single dime of money from unemployment or pua. Since then ive lost evrerything and now at age of 50 I live with my parents again. I lost my car my tag my insurance my jobs my down payment on my house had to spend all my savings, bank account was closed, so pretty much everything but my life and that is not looking lilke any type of a bonus to me at this point. Every time I get a call from alabama unemployment office or a letter I am told 48 hours, well it is july 20 2021 and filed march 29 2020, see my point? Ive sent letters to ivey and to white house still no help.. I cant even get a job right now because I have no money for gas, food etc, $0.00 maxed out. So yes I do have a complaint how do you just forget about somebody for this long? 3 weeks ago I got another call from adol and she also said 48 hours, 3 weeks ago. My name is tammy a. Hotaling my ss# [protected] my dob 07/21/1971 home phone-[protected], mothers maiden name - lynch my clain # 1758435 claim id-[protected] office code 9098... Issuse id-85845. I have all my letter were ive been approved, ive reorted evrey sunday ive sent/faxed everything yall needed many many many time. Thank you tammy a hotaling

I am a civilian employee of the Federal Government. I was laid off and filed for Unemployment Insurance in October, 2020. Since then, I have had to reopen my case 7 different times, send all the documentation they have asked for 3 different times, file an appeal once, and I still haven't gotten anything yet. The UI Claims Tracker is telling me something different than what the Claimant Portal is saying. I have called every number I can find and emailed every address I can find, and I have not been able to speak with a human or get a callback yet.

I have already exhausted what little savings I did have. I have had my car repossessed, and I've had to throw away almost 6 years of college. I am suppose to be taking care of my elderly mother, but she has been having to do without her diabetic medication. Today, I find out that her insurance doesn't cover her test strips anymore. Those alone are almost $100/month. I am drowning here, and I really shouldn't have to be. It may only be $275/week, but that little bit would make so much difference to me and my mother right now.

Please help me to find out what is going on and help me get this fixed. Is 10 months not long enough to wait for unemployment? If you guys are that short staffed, hire me! I will be more than happy to answer phones and file claims.

Thank you,

Tara Leigh Capps (DOB: 04/19/1975)
[protected]
[protected]@yahoo.com

On June 24th I had to have surgery to remove part of my thyroid because of cancer. I could not continue my search for a position for that week because of pre-op tests and the stress of of possible unfavorable issues. The Labor Department did not pay me for that week. I have called the 800 number (starting at 5:00 p.m.)to seek help every day since June 29. The average amount of calls each day is in excess of 25 (from 5:00 pm, hitting redial over and over) I have never gotten through. I told the truth and now am being punished for it? I'm 65 years old and have worked since I was 17 and now I can't even get someone to help me from an agency that that is supported by my taxes? Can someone at least tell me why I did not get my unemployment for that week?
Thank you,
Bridget Balsamo
205.305.0057
[protected]@yahoo.com
DOB 11.04.1955

I have been filing for unemployment since November 2 when I was laid off from my job due to reduction in workforce as a result of COVID-19. I understand a few months, but 7 months seems excessive. I can never get through the after hours hotline, the line is always busy, and after repeated calls daily there seems to be no hope to get assistance. I have been applying for jobs, but no luck yet. I have not been approved nor rejected and it's disheartening to keep filing weekly with no correspondence.

I do not know my claim number if there is one available. My SS# is [protected]. On Feb. 1, 2021 I was called into Dr. Daniel Hudson's office regarding an issue with notes not being entered in patients chart. He cursed at me "This [censored] better not ever happen again". This is the responsibility of his assistants not the office manager. I did not say anything during his reprimand. The next day after closing I went to his office to talk with him and let him know that if he cursed me again "we would have to part ways". He told me at that time "Wellll I was gonna wait till Thursday but I'll just let you got today." At that point I said fine "I will get my things and leave." I have a witness that heard him firing me and also I told the lady that was in the office while I was gathering my things that he had just fired me. So there are 2 people that know that he fired me on Feb 2, 2021 after 5:00pm, when I confronted him about cursing me. He had just a few days prior to this given an "Atta girl" praise of the good job I was doing. I feel that this claim is warranted for unemployment and the time that is being taken to receive compensation has well been exceeded. Please move this claim forward.

I have been recieving unemployment for a while because of covid 19 well I haven't had but one issue the entire time but now my claim is saying claim review required so I went to the career center in Anniston Alabama where I live and was told I needed to provide my state id for identity verification and my social security card as well so the lady faxed them my information and well now it's been 5 weeks and I have heard nothing I have emailed everyone I can think of and called the 1800 number and you can not get through because all phone appts are taken 600 appts by 5:01 that is impossible but that what we are told it isn't just me but seems like everyone is having the same issue .the extra $300 benefits expire today 6/19/21 and I still haven't received a payment in 5 weeks my account is still in pay status with pending claim review required issue stopping payment can someone please help me my email address is [protected]@gmail.com or my number is [protected] ease someone help me everything is behind my power El soon be cut off next if I don't get something done .thank you

My nane is raymond green have been calling the 18003614524 number for a month in a half and cannot get anyone on the phone to get my issues resolved on my claim so could someone please give me a call my number is [protected] I really need to get this issue handle as soon possible thank you very much

I have tried to make every attempt to contact customer service using the numbers that are on the letter written to me. I requested a call back 2 days ago and still haven't received a call back from AL dept of labor. I have not committed unemployment fraud in any fashion. I applied several months ago and was denied. I need my federal income tax refund desperately and I am very upset that this has happened. If I have the same kind of response that I have got from calling your business line and do not receive an answer to this soon, I will be writing a letter to the governor and speaking to local news stations.

Top trace number: [protected]
Account# [protected]
Type of debt: unemp ins fraud debt

Sincerely,
Tamara Michelle Taylor

I am writing to discuss my situation with filing for Unemployment in Alabama. I filed in March/April when there was a mandatory lockdown. After the lockdown was over, my went back to work. Unfortunately, my company (Stein Mart) filed bankruptcy and closed its doors permanently.
I filed again at the beginning of November, but have not received any payment. I have continued to file weekly. After doing a little research, I found that if there was a two week or more break in the claim, that it must be reopened. I have called daily after 5PM to set up an appointment, to only get a message that all appointments have been filled. I have sent at least a dozen emails, including to the Alabama Treasurer's Office as well as to the Governor's office.
I have exhausted all leads that I have, and have not been able to move forward in solving this issue, which has been ongoing for three months now. At this point, I do not know what else to do.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

John Copelan
[protected]@gmail.com

I lost my job and applied for unemployment aug 11, 2020. It is now Dec 30 2020 and I have been filing for my weekly benefits up to this time. I am told every time that this week will be a holding week and have let to receive any benefits. I have called constantly and only got in contact with them 2 times, none have been able to tell me why I haven't received anything.

My husband's name is Christopher S Brewer. Our address is 3665 Alabama Highway 68 W Sand Rock AL 35983. He filed an appeal with the Alabama Dept. of Labor July 1, 20. The appeal was sent certified mail and it was received July 5, 20. Every time he calls, some one tells him "oh we are behind we will get to it when we can". I worked for the State of Georgia for 14 years and was proud to be a public servant. My husband has not been employed since April of 20. He filed unemployment at that time. He has applied for numerous jobs to no avail. We have used all of our savings and we have borrowed over 3000.00 just to pay our bills and buy groceries. I work in the ER at Floyd in Cedartown. I have worked thru this pandemic on the front lines.. We need the appeal processed this is a ridiculous amount of time to wait it has been 3 months since the appeal was filed.

today date: 6/12/2020 filed for unemployment and approved in march 2020.
received letter of approval in may 2020.
I called every day to get a pin so i could update weekly and could not get on phone with no one. few time i was put on hold and call timed out and dropped.
I have applied weekly for jobs since unemployed.
So today I finally got someone on the phone and she says sorry, have to open new claim because you didnt file weelky updates.
WHAT?
So as I starve, you have robbed me of the benefits from several months?
I have all my data to prove job searches and applying.
Tried to find phone number of management and leaders to call for help, well they have hidden all that.

Please help!

Due to covid-19 my employer required each employer to take 10 days furlough. I tried to file a claim and I was mailed a form informing me to take it to a medical doctor to show I had been out of work due to health issues. I have called numerous times and never could get anyone. Today (June 9, 2020) I called and finally got someone to answer and she informs me to much time has passed and I can not get back pay. My employer says this is not correct. I have had to furlough every Friday from April 3 with it ending Friday, June 5.

I Sandra E. Coppolo, was hired on or about April 2014. I was employed with out issue until about October of 2018. There was an extreme falling out between the Board of Directors and Mrs. Christi Brown the then shelter director. Following the shift of authority by the Board of Directors to have Ms. Lisa Brackett step in as the director/shelter manager there was an extreme amount of unneeded roughness on the employees. I was requested at that time in late January to early February of 2019 to step into Lisa Brackett's office to have a meeting between her, Mr. Kevan McGehee and Mrs. Toni Edwards who was on conference call from AZ. This meeting was for a write up for which I didn't believe to be justified at the time. I left that day following returning my belongs as requested by Mr. Kevan McGehee to do so. Over the course of several years there had been a waive of unnecessary euthanasia or an unhealthy balance between the number of animals and the capability for personnel to care for those animals.

Sometime in the early part of May of 2019 I had received a call from Ms. Angela Parker who was the new director. I went in for an interview which took place at the same time Ms. Lisa Brackett was returning her keys which I was unaware of. Following a media interview with the Gadsden Times Angela Parker was then fired. The then marketing manager Mrs. Jessica Millican moved to being both the marketing manager and the stand in director for the shelter. Following the auction which is the shelters biggest fundraiser in early March I received a phone call from the current President of the Board Mr. Morgan Cunningham on March 17, 2020 stating it was the Board of Directors to release me from my job duties for self quarantine which by no means was the truth. I had been in direct contact via text and FB messenger from the time I was hired back and up until the Sunday prior to receiving that phone call from Mr. Morgan Cunningham. I had worked Friday 3/13/2020 and spoke to Mr. David G about an incident with an animal that had been taken in by Mrs. Jessica Millican during our first deep clean of the year that hadn't been done since the last deep clean when the shelter was closed for a distemper outbreak for which I wasn't present for. I had spoke to Mr. Ben Johnson earlier that morning of March 13, 2020 about his utilizing just Mrs. Jessica Millican's log in or mine because there was a substantial issue with the paperwork and I was trying to identify who needed additional training and we also had an upcoming state inspection. It was an absolute must to assure that all the paperwork be done correctly. All animals must have their paperwork with them per Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medicine. It became very clear when I had requested to speak with Mrs. Jessica Millican and Ms Kate Pickett on March 14, 2020 when only Ms Kate Pickett arrived for the requesting meeting that things had substantially changed. Which change wasn't necessarily the issue. The issue once again was a lack of communication between the Board of Directors, the Director and the Staff. It was my understanding from the conversation and returning of my belongs once again that the Board had only listened to the Director who was following the lead of Mr. Ben Johnson who was hired as the Intake manager who had no experience and zero respect for the current staff. Mr. Ben Johnson was known by many to have stolen from another 501 3c company. He was charged with those charges and served his time. He was making an attempt to rejoin the work force as a new hire. Yet, there are many discrepancies between what he was allowed to do or not to do and there is a outside friendship between himself the director and the board. It came to light that there has been a long history which was ultimately unfair to the staff and more so to the animals for which the Humane Society Pet Rescue and Adoption Center is entrusted to care for until they are reclaimed or in the case of a stray that they are given every opportunity possible to be transferred to rescue or adopted. Once again there is not a balance between.
I had been hired back in early May of 2019 without issue. I was hired back to start from the beginning as I did in 2014 with the only difference was an increase in wage from then but, a decrease in wage from my rehire. I worked my way into being the shelter manager after a long period of consideration when the then shelter manager Mrs. Sarah Hawkins had submitted her notice because of a relocation of her family.
Once again staff was building up the rescue and transport. This all ended to be functional with the deep clean, the hire of Mr. Ben Johnson and his need to do very little to assist, took zero direction from myself following the deep clean. He is effectively caused significant chaos within the shelter. Harmed the animals, staff any myself included with the approval of the current Board of Directors. It was okay to feed a deceased animal and get away with it. This was the message that was sent streaming though the staff members something I couldn't dismiss away nor remedy this became very apparent over time. Mr. Morgan Cunningham and/or Mrs. Jessica Millican also reached out to the Alabama Board of Veterinary to state I was under self quarantine. There is no medical proof of that. There was no reason to have made false statements. Effectively I was released without cause per a written statement from Mr. Morgan Cunningham. I do as well have proof(text, PM and photos) if there is anything at all you may need additionally please don't hesitate to call me or e-mail.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Regards,

Sandra E. Coppolo
[protected] cell
[protected]@gmail.com

I have been working for Ascent Hospitality for 9 years. It started with the Hampton Inn in Hope Hull, Ala. Three years ago, the owner John Tampa wanted me to take the Fairfield Inn and Suites next door. He made me take the second hotel for only $8, 000 dollars for the second hotel for three years. February 26, 2020 her hired a new GM for the Fairfield and paying her $55, 000 just for the one hotel. I feel this has been unfair labor wages. He also has another GM in Saraland and doing her the same way. Paying her $60, 000 for two hotels and the GM before her was making $65, 000 for one hotel. Please let me know what can be done about these unfair wages.
Thanks, Ron Jenkins My phone number is [protected].

During my employer's 4th of July week shut down for 2019 I should have received a "Waiting Week" letter from ADOL regarding eligibility for that week, which I was told by a Disclosure department personnel that the letter was in fact mailed to me on the 7/11/19 but since I didn't receive it I would have to go online and download an authorization form, check appropriate boxes, have it notorized, and mail it along with a $10 money order. I was told that upon receiving said authorization form and money order from me that the requested information would go out the same day. Today is 8/13/19 and sadly after spending $40 on money order, notary fee, postage, and overnight delivery I am still waiting on my requested information from ADOL. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!

Eason Metal Roofing is doing business without a license, WC, Insurance, filing taxes or any legal operations to be considered a valid business. This man has several workers and does jobs all over Alabama, Flordia and Tenneesee. He does not take taxes out of the employees checks due to he runs an illegal business. This is how he beats legal companies out of jobs by underbidding them.

He started working for a company that I have found out does construction all over the Cullman and Blount Counties. The company has a name but no license to work under the company name of D & H Contracting. The owner brags about all his tens of thousands of dollar deals but he will not pay his workers whom he solicits off of social media. My son has been one of these persons. Every week he states they work per job. But when the job is complete, they never get paid. My son had to call for 2 days straight to get this person to pay the 200.00 dollars and then I text him from my sons phone and told him I would be taking action against him. The next day he payed him 80.00. This has happened to 4 men on a crew since he worked there. HE NEVER PAYS THE WAGES TO THE EMPLOYEES. He finds men who in dire straits, then preys upon them due to their circumstances. He advertises 10.00 and works them 8-10 hour days and then will not pay them! I rarely do this( report folks to boards) but this has made my blood boil. These men are doing hard labor and not getting anything in return. The employers name is Dustin Ragsdale. He lives in Blount County. The last day my son worked for him, the man had them putting a new roof on his home( in unsafe conditions in the rain) but at the end of the day, he leaves and the laborers do not get paid. My son was so mad he went to his truck and sat for the last 2 hours and refused to do anymore after he almost fell off the roof. And then he tells my son he is not paying him because he didn't work. The 2 other men that work with my son are in dire straights. One man lives in a "cabin" with no electricity or running water. The other has to sleep in his truck because he has no money to even get a room. I keep calling for someone to help me with this situation, but there is only so much the BBB and the Alabama construction Board can do. I pray that there is justice served on this man for the things he is doing and getting away with! I work as an RN in a office. My son is not in that situation but I feel like this man needs to be stopped and reprimanded for his actions of what he is doing to people who are struggling to make an honest living and because of men like him. He is also doing sub-standard work on the homes. He is using substandard and used material but charging full price. He is pocketing the money that is suppose to be paid to the laborers and workers. He will not respond to their calls or text and tells them that "when the checks clear he will pay". These men have not been paid corrected for weeks. Would you work digging ditches by hand for 2 days and putting on a slippery roof in the rain and work 5 days a week 8-10 hour days for 200.00. That's it ! 200.00 and says that is all that is owed to them. I wouldn't work for that! My son is 19 years old and men like this man make construction look bad. He will not only not pay them but tell them if they will go back to work he will pay them "all the money on Saturday or Sunday" when that time comes. He can't be found. EVER!