Helping workers navigate the COVID-19 crisis

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has created a confusing and unpredictable world with fears about our health, families, communities, jobs, and the economy. However, one of the few constants has been the continuation of public services such as police and fire, water and sanitation, public health, public transportation, and human services. These are the foundations of our communities and provide us with support needed during crises like this.

While many government offices are limiting services to appointment, phone, or online to protect the health of their staff and the public, we know that they are available when we need them. Let’s talk about something that is particularly close to many people’s concerns right now: Unemployment Insurance (UI) and employment services from your local Michigan Works agencies.

Michigan Works! agencies are part of the public workforce system. They help both individual job seekers and businesses. For individuals, services include helping them to register for Unemployment Insurance, training for in-demand careers, job fairs, and assistance with resumes and job searches. For businesses, Michigan Works! can help with recruitment, accessing grants for training existing and new workers, apprenticeship programs, and many other services. Right now, individuals are most interested in how to get income and support for their families.

Each of the 16 Michigan Works! agencies in the State of Michigan has a number of service centers where people and businesses can access a range of services. Southeast Michigan is served by five local agencies:

• Detroit At Work, serving residents and businesses in Detroit
• Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works!, serving Macomb and St. Clair Counties
• Michigan Works! Southeast, serving Washtenaw and Livingston Counties
• Oakland County Michigan Works!, serving Oakland County
• SEMCA, serving Wayne County outside of Detroit and Monroe County

Michigan Works! services are an essential part of addressing the needs of residents and businesses during this crisis. As a result of Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order earlier this week to keep both workers and the public safe, service centers are currently serving the public by telephone or through online services. Visit the websites listed above for more information on how to connect with workforce professionals.

Jennifer Llewellyn, Director of Oakland County Michigan Works! said, “Many people need income support, financial resources, and guidance on how to navigate unemployment insurance benefits and job loss. Companies need support understanding what their options are for temporary layoff vs. permanent layoff and how to inform workers. We are able to answer most questions by telephone and provide additional support to the Unemployment Insurance Agency facing an increase in applicants. We will also be a critical component during the economic recovery of this health crisis, as companies need to rehire or workers need to return to work or find new employment. Our team is prepared to help – just call first.”

Another important resource is the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). This state department coordinates state policies and resources related to many functions including economic development, housing, workforce development, and unemployment insurance.

LEO Director, Jeff Donofrio recently said, “As a result of the job losses, the department is focused on dealing with hardships related to COVID-19 emergency relief.” Governor Whitmer issued executive orders extending state UI from 20 to 26 weeks, extending the deadline to file from 14 to 28 days, and waiving the in-person application to online filing.

With more than 80,000 individuals registering for unemployment in just a few days last week, UI offices have been very busy. The best way to file is to go online at MiWAM – preferably during non-peak times or by calling 1-866-500-0017. Residents facing other hardships can also call United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline or visit their website for information on emergency relief.

Federal, state, and local governments provide essential services that keep communities and residents going at all times, but their role during a crisis is even more critical. Public servants such as the staff at the state and Michigan Works! agencies provide people with the reassurance and immediate support needed to get through these tough times. Our communities are better because of them.