I'm being caused emotional distress at work by a co-worker. If I'm fired will I be able to collect unemployment?

by brittany
(California Unemployment)

I'm being caused emotional distress at work by a co-worker. If I'm fired will I be able to collect unemployment?

i've been working at my current job for a little over 6 months now, and aside from a little annoyance here or there, i like my job. we have several different job sites and i was recently moved to the one i am currently at. my previous 2 job sites i had no problem with my work or coworkers. the latest move has become stressful. i work with a veteran employee who has been picking on me. if its not one thing with her its another. one day i'm working too slow for her and being lazy and the next i'm in a hurry and need to slow down. she's constantly hovering over me when i try to get my tasks done. she's always yelling at me and if i have even the slightest change of tone in my voice she demands i don't talk to her that way. i went to my boss and told her what was going on with the intent of getting moved and she basically told me whatever the problem is, it's probably my fault and i should do whatever it takes to get back on my coworkers good side. although i didn't agree i tried it anyways to no avail. i'm emotionally stressed out and on the verge of a breaking point. i'm doing my job but if it comes down to my word against hers, they'll probably choose hers since she's been there the longest. i'm trying to look for work in the meantime but if i am let go would i be able to collect unemployment?



Brittany,

First of all, if you haven't read what what I've written about dealing with problems at work and why it is important to protect yourself while working .. this conversation cannot go any further until you address relevant information about being fired and unemployment benefits.

You're just telling me about your stress.

It is not your stress level that is relevant to collecting unemployment.

It is the employer's ability to prove "work related misconduct" and whatever evidence you can provide at an unemployment appeal hearing to rebut the employer's argument of misconduct that is relevant to the question.

You might want to take a look at California's unemployment benefits eligibility guide. (scroll to the bottom of the page for the link.

I can empathize with your emotional distress Brittany, but it's very difficult for me to help anyone until they put their distress aside, so we can take an objective look at the situation .. just like the unemployment department will do .. should you be fired.

Chris