Protestors urge lawmakers to fix delays at Unemployment Compensation

PITTSBURGH — Cutbacks at the state unemployment centers are leaving people waiting for hours, days and even weeks for help.

On Thursday, dozens of protesters gathered in downtown Pittsburgh to demand Pennsylvania representatives pass legislation to fix the problem.

Six days before Christmas, nearly 600 Unemployment Compensation center employees were laid off because of funding cuts, leaving the agency with half the staff to answer calls. Because of those layoffs, people on employment have had longer waits when they call in – if they can even get through – and slower claims processing.

"Obviously, no cash coming in, hard to pay the bills. I work for the union and I paid into it and it's ridiculous that I have to wait like this. It's been a month, so it's getting tight,” said Michael Rourke.

The state House approved $57.5 million in funding from workers’ unemployment compensation taxes, but the senate adjourned in December without voting on it.

Channel 11 reached out to the Labor and Industry Department, where an official said the administration has no other source of money. Officials said they’re hopeful that when the senate reconvenes Monday, they will address the situation.

"The legislation is common sense. It was passed overwhelmingly by the House. There is absolutely no reason the Senate couldn't have passed it and let the funding go through,” said Beth Mikus, of SEIU Local.

Until then, people like Rourke said they’re faced with the reality of unemployment, and it’s hitting hard.

“My father and I live together. He's an angel right now. Until things get back to normal. Life will be good again, hopefully,” he said.

The agency is urging people to press lawmakers to call their representatives and let them know they need to support and pass this legislation when they reconvene on Monday.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.

RELATED: Phone delays at Unemployment Compensation cause issues for people who need help (Jan. 5, 2017)

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