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So now the "Telecenter" is COMPLETELY useless. disconnecting because they are overloaded with calls. I have been told to call back for THREE WEEKS!! I have been laid off with ZERO INCOME. I wonder how it would be if maybe the governor had to go with nothing for almost a month before even opening a claim!
Posted by: D. Flynn | January 19, 2011 at 08:12 AM
STOP telling me to log back in because of less than a day of use.
If your servers can not take it by now you should have better servers.
Stop putting the Back /Search to at only the bottom of web pages and move the Reset Criteria button further away from the Back /Search button.
http://web.detma.org/JobQuest/Search.aspx
Posted by: bo | December 13, 2010 at 08:23 AM
i am 42 years young and i am a file clerk, it seems boston thinks it dosen't need a full time file clerk, i have been doing temp work for 8 years now and i'm sick of it, i have e-mailed the governmor 3 times now askig for help and they keep saying they can't help and direct me to useless web sit's my resume is all over the web, but no needs a full time file clerk mail room assistant or data entry, what do you think going back to school is also useless, becasue almost no one gets a job in the field in which they studied.
Posted by: cory | April 22, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Nice article, thank you.
To the RN, I found this on Mass Jobquest.
"Refresher Course for Nurses
Course Approved For:
Trade
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
Targeted Occupations:
29111100 - Registered Nurses
Salem State College "
Which you can get more info for at your One stop career center. Unfortunately, it doesn't qualify for ITA. (as far as I can see.) But you can still talk to a caseworker, learn about job listings and take a resume class. Hope that it helps.
Posted by: Jill | February 09, 2010 at 08:03 PM
I am a registered nurse who is searching for a refresher course or a mentoring opportunity. I have been working with 'healthy people' for a non profit org. and want to return to patient care either in a hospital enviroment or home care. Right now I can't get hired because my experience in these areas is not current enough and I've been unable to find a means to update my skills. If anyone has information that would assist me in this search it would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Anonymous please | January 31, 2010 at 01:39 PM
I have a rather uncommon problem. I have been working for one of the larger employers in the state for several years.
So what's the problem? The check has always come like clockwork every month. But unfortunately, it is but a miniscule fraction of what it would cost them to pay someone else at even minimum wage let alone fair market wages, i.e. my yearly compensation is 78% of the F.P.L.
Besides being classified as an Independent Contractor, in some respects I am alternatively considered as being Unemployed. There is some mutual benefit in my being thus classified, i.e. they don't need to withold employment taxes, and I don't need to pay them. Unfortunately, as they do not provide health insurance, I am forced to rely upon MassHealth which is less than perfect for my needs. And as my income is so low, I am also forced to rely upon Food Stamps and Fuel Assistance to make ends meet.
Although my compensation is consistant with that of a nominal fee paid to a Volunteer, i.e. less than 12% of the state's minimum wage, as said, they classify me as an Independent Contractor. I believe this is so they can maintain control over the hours worked and the quality of my work. I would of course prefer to be considered as an Employee, even at minimum wage. To be honest, even a yearly C.O.L.A. to the compensation level would be welcome. But as they set the payment rate, even such a small increase in payment is outside of my control.
It has been implied by some, that if I don't like the situation, I can end it. That is not an option for me as they are most likely well aware of.
Please note that they must be operating within legal boundaries, as they seem to be exempt from both fair wage and labor laws, and the parity law.
As I need their permission and assistance to do that which would enable me to acquire additional income of a more traditional nature, I have asked for their help, but as of yet, they have been unable to provide such.
The only suitable option left for me that I can think of is for me to secure a telecommuting position. If you could point me in the right direction it will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Anonymous Please | July 30, 2009 at 06:09 PM
I am looking for training to obtain some IT certifications. This will get me a job with absolutely no doubt in my mind. There are many positions available in the IT field that are in demand that if I had the certification that would be enough to get me in the door.
The problem is that with all of the stimulus money allocated there is nothing available to help me obtain these courses to become certified.
Are there any programs available for funding for books, online classes, or instructor lead classes to help anyone in this situation?
Posted by: Rob | June 28, 2009 at 10:54 AM
I have been trying to find out if MA is going to add the TUR trigger option to the EB law to ensure that EB does not trigger off (and possibly qualify MA for an additional 7 weeks). I have been told that the federal government will now reimburse states for 100% of their EB costs but only for private sector employers and the state and local governments do not want to pay the EB costs for their laid off workers. According to Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development there are only 600 less local government employees and 800 less state employees (http://lmi2.detma.org/lmi/lmi_ces_b.asp?GA=000025&Sopt=0&I=00000000&Copt=1&TF=2&Y=&MD=&Dopt=TEXT) than there were a year ago. That is 0.22 percent of the total state and government employees and most likely not all of those are receiving unemployment benefits. According to the National Employment Law Project, 39,000 people in MA are currently receiving EB benefits. It does not seem right not to help all those people with federal money just because the state and local governments don’t want to help the small percent that they laid off. In fact, it will probably end up costing the state a lot more if EB triggers off and all those people apply for food stamps, welfare and free health insurance. Not to mention the extra workload on the public employees in those departments. Also, California has a much larger budget deficit and has lain off more public employees but still saw the sense in adding the TUR trigger.
Posted by: Lee | June 24, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I am at the Cambridge OneStop Center and they are very friendly and busy and patient. The monitors in the computer lab are from the 1980s or early 1990s and flickering. Can Govr. Patrick get some new equipment donated here soon? The internet is such a key tool we need better workstations visually...
ps, I like the new 'job hunt support group on Fridays that they started. Many of us have been working over 15 years - 30 years and are used to the ups and downs but it's great to have support from humans.
Posted by: Sara Networking Guru Hamlen | May 08, 2009 at 03:12 PM
I was laid off in January and have had a number of issues with unemployment. First I tried calling over a number of weeks (not realizing that I was forfeiting my benefits for those weeks - I thought they would start from my date of unemployment regardless of when I filed). Then I went in 3 times before I was able to actually file a claim because of the odd hours kept by some of the offices. Then I filed for 4-5 weeks but it has been weeks and weeks and I have not seen a check (I have it set up to direct deposit and I did that when I first filed). A couple of weeks ago I did a contract job so did not file a claim but now that I'm going back to file for last week, apparently I have to re-open my claim and I can't simply do that online.
The whole process has been obscure and I have yet to see any of the benefits. While I'm lucky in that I have some savings to cover living expenses, it would be nice to be getting my rightful benefits for which my past employers have been paying.
I'm frustrated by this whole thing.
Posted by: A frustrated - and unemployed - citizen | April 14, 2009 at 05:42 PM
Telephone systems have been absorbed into the computer networks. The proprietary hardware and dedicated voice cabling are a thing of the past. Telecommunications management positions have also been absorbed into the computer network IT departments responsibility as the computer network is now the vehicle driving those applications. Unless you are also qualified to be a network adminsitrator (which used to be a totally different education and career path) there aren't any positions to apply for.
That said, I need to change careers now.
When and where are we going to see actual GREEN jobs and career paths? Are there any new alternative energy businesses starting up or is it all just a concept?
I need a career that won't disappear and has more meaning than to simply chace money. I want to physically see the results of my efforts and know that it is good for the future of man in this world.
Show me the GREEN jobs, I don't need to be a millionaire.
Posted by: Wilfred A. Waterman | April 12, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Wanted to post a positive remark on the career center in my area. The people at Falmouth Career Center are caring and supportative. I know they say the same comforting and encouraging words to everyone who crosses their door, but somehow when you leave you feel a little more positive about yourself and your situation. Thanks Falmouth Career Center !
Posted by: Marie | April 02, 2009 at 10:20 AM
The format basically looks pretty good, but I'd try to get something about self assessment tools available through MassCIS and/or O*Net up there near the front of the portal. I suggest that you push the links to the resources listed along the left side of the page, especially CREATING RESUMES, INTERVIEWING SKILLS, AND NETWORKING TIPS, into a more prominent location on the page. The content linked to each of these topics is very, very good."
Posted by: Dore Penn | March 31, 2009 at 01:31 PM
I would like to tell you how impressed I am with the level of service I have received from Labor and Workforce Development, and particularly from the Division of Unemployment Assistance and the One-Stop Career Center (Lowell).
I lost my job after more than ten years with my most recent employer. Given how suddenly I lost what I thought was secure employment, I was desperate financially and knew I would need to rely on unemployment benefits. While I felt I had earned the "right" to avail myself of this benefit (after working for nearly thirty years in Massachusetts), I still dreaded the thought of going through the "system." I had been on unemployment briefly more than twenty-five years ago, and remembered it as something I did not ever want to repeat!
Well, of course times have changed and technology has revolutionized every aspect of government and industry. But I did not expect the level of courteous, informed, and efficient service I have received! Everyone I have dealt with has had a very positive attitude -- something that must not always be easy to maintain, given the increasingly high unemployment numbers.
I don't understand how those who have complained could expect any more! Service hours have been extended to handle the load. I even received a letter that was sent to claimants, apologizing for the long wait time on the phone and delays accessing on-line services. I thought it was a sincere and thoughtful way to let us know that you understand what it’s like on this side of the fence, and you are doing the best you can to address the volume of claims.
I have always had success when accessing on-line services. (It was slow on only one occasion, and I just tried again later.) I file my weekly claim on-line and the money is always in my account on time. Although I did have some long wait times when I was filing my claim on the phone, once I was connected, I was always greeted with a fresh-sounding voice who made me their priority and gave me the time necessary.
The One-Stop Career Center I have visited provided valuable information, and the atmosphere, personnel and literature I received were all informative and reflected a positive tone. I honestly was amazed that a government agency, swamped by a surge in demand for services, was so technologically savvy and provided valuable, up to date resources to job seekers. The person who ran my orientation session certainly knew his stuff and was very upbeat and accessible.
The information on the website has been very useful, as well. I find it to be a very well-designed and well-organized site. The addition of this blog is just another example of the Office of Labor and Workforce Development reaching out to help the citizens of the Commonwealth during what is a most difficult time for all of us.
As a skeptical person who views most aspects of life with a certain level of pessimism, I am not one to "gush with praise." However, I did want to take the time to comment on what I see as a job well done, by many.
Thank you all for your efforts.
Posted by: S. McNulty | March 29, 2009 at 09:10 PM
I have a concern that the media makes this recession worse than it appears , and causes the companies out there that are hiring to only offer what it is perceived as the going rate for the job that they offer, but it is actually the going rate just above or just below the current unemployment rate for the median income for the state. Is this unfair ? and is there some sort of regualatory commission that could stop this unfairness, don't get me wrong but I have a family to support and inorder to survive the smarter thing to do is collect and look for a job that pays what I am worht in the work force other wise if I take a job for less than the unemployment rate then I risk my house, my family, everything. I ask what can be done to regulate the compnaies that are taking advantage of the situation? for instance I had a interview with a company that offered an inspection job at 15 dollars per hour to do inspections for the city of boston, now I know that the city pays at least according to their budget reports at least 20 to 25 dollars and hour for this service, hwy would they farm it out and get less of an inspector or get an inspector that is desparate and took the job because nothing else is out there right now yet dosen't do the job as he knows he can because of the rate he getting from the company taking advantage of the city and the
employee.Can anything be done?
concerned and unemployed
Posted by: mike | March 29, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Is there any chance the 20 week extension California is going to add, might happen in Mass.?
Posted by: Debbie Sher | March 27, 2009 at 01:21 PM
My difficulty in job searching is not job availability and skills. The problem I run into is that companies I contact or contact me are not really diverse friendly as they profess to be.
I am a full time Transsexual Woman and people change their attitude towards me once they discover that fact. My resume looks good on paper and my work history is impeccable. I transitioned on the job so it was not a problem but once I lost my job the employment "playing field" became unfair and biased.
I have potential employers contact me for positions all the time but as soon as they hear my voice or interview me personally their attitude changes. I'm either over qualified or the job is put on hold or closed. I even had a HR Manager ask me after the interview if I needed to use the men's room before I left! How humiliating to be treated and percieved as a deviant or freak.
I have run out of ideas and options and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions to assist my job search to obtain gainful employment.
Posted by: Lillith | March 27, 2009 at 09:03 AM
I think it is great to have lots of info for folks. In addition to help and resources for those facing unemployment and finding new jobs, I would also like to learn more about the long term strategies and goals for job creation. I sometimes catch a quick soundbite about the Governor meeting with big companies, but would be very interested in the details as well. Thanks for communicating!
Posted by: rripaldi | March 25, 2009 at 11:35 AM