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If I get fired because I can't make paycheck with Transcend - will I get unemployment?

Posted By: Broke MT on 2009-09-14
In Reply to:

I work for Transcend Services and loved it at first but for the past few months, the work has been so slow on my account that I've been way short of making my required $450 a pay check for PT status. I've gotten two warnings that I may be terminated if I don't bring up my lines, but there is nothing I can do -- the work simply isn't there.

If they fire me like they're threatening to do, will I qualify for unemployment while I look for work? Will the laws of the state I live in or the state Transcend is in (Georgia) apply, since I work at home?

Also, as it stands, I'm not even making minimum wage. How can I figure what I would qualify for with unemployment?

Help/experience/suggestions appreciated. I'm frustrated over lack of work, inability to get backup accounts, and a practically nonexistent paycheck after 8 years in the industry with perfect QAs. Grrr.

Thanks a million.


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I thought you could only collect unemployment if you have been fired -
But I'm not sure. I would tend to think that you would not be able to collect unemployment.

You should try calling your local unemployment office in your area and ask.
I live in Idaho.. and our laws are that you can only be fired and NOT receive unemployment ..
if you were fired for gross misconduct and boy is that a loose term. I worked for an office that fired two transcriptionists, each were absolutely horrible and used wrong terminology etc.. yet they were able to get unemployment because although they were obviously not competent for the job, they do not consider that gross misconduct. Strange laws here.. Just means you can stink at your job, get fired, and still get paid.. We believe one of the transcriptionists intentionally screwed up so bad that she would be fired and could collect unemployement.
NEVER make the same paycheck again if you go to ASR/VR

Why do you think these companies push us to edit?  So they can make more money off their clients -- not that the clients are asking for more VR/editing MT's -- NO WAY!.  There is a contract with the clients at a certain rate per line  -- the extra money goes in the MTSO's pockets to hire more USELESS supervisors/leads with our money.  Don't get me going here . . . I hate paying all those worthless supes/leads.  It is WE the MT who is paying for all these extra mgmt/mgmt-type people.


NO, you will never make the same amount of money editing VR reports.  The only way you could make even close to the same amount of money is if you use NO shortcuts/expanders, as you are unable to use the majority of those when doing editing VR reports. If you use trillions of shortcut/expanders, there is NO earthly way that I could make the same money.  And I do know what I am talking about, because I have done editing of VR reports in the past.  Not just spouting off, but speaking from experience with editing these reports.


Most of the editing/VR platforms are NOT -- I say NOT -- MT friendly in the first place.


Work at Transcend if you want a very little paycheck.

I worked at Transcend for about 5 months.  My main complaint is very low pay for VR work and complicated editing which was actually re-doing the whole report.  Took just as long as actually transcribing it, but you got half the money.  Oh yes, they are very clever in having MTs completely re-do the report and pay them only half.  I could not pay my bills working at this company.  I know people working at Wal-Mart who were making more money than I did.  Anybody making $6 an hour was making more than what I got from this company. 


Yes the people are just wonderful and very easy to work with, while you are starving and getting kicked out of your hourse because you cannot pay your bills.  


Oh well, probably just a minor detail about no money here.  LOL.  


Anyone else struggling to even make a $200 paycheck from Futurenet? sm
They are a great company but the work is bare.  Very, very bare.  I cannot even make enough to do anything with.  Have they overhired?  This has been going on for months.  I hate to leave but I cannot put my family through this anymore.  We depend on my income greatly.  Anyone else have these issues?
Watch your paycheck go down. Transcend does not pay the same line counts that MDI-MD paid.
nm
In my opinion what you make is confidential and I have seen people get fired for discussing rates.
That all goes along in confidentiality agreements. I am in agreement with you though..it really is not anyone's business. If they want to know, they need to ask the company. The company will probably tell them.

Before someone hops on and say "why are you living paycheck to paycheck (inside)
I had a great saving account this time last year when the company I had been with 2 years took me off my primary (never would tell me why, just said me being shut out was a glitch in the hospital's system) floated me around (not telling me anything of course) because they were getting a Meditech account and wanted me on it (you wouldn't put someone not very experienced on it would you?). It did not take a rocket scientist to realize as soon as I got the C-phone what had happened. Also 80% ESLs. I spent the whole year supplementing my salary until it was gone and have been trying to find a decent company since. That is why I am living paycheck to paycheck and I hate it. I have 20 years in this business and it is getting worse. Speech is great but not for the money. It just does not justify being paid half. You cannot retrain doctors and I don't think management telling them they need to be considerate to us is going to work. Telling them we are making half just does not move them. They still rumble through files, change sentences, have long pauses we are not paid for, speech leaves out words or sentences so tell me why we are paid half? Also, I usually seach a company before I come on and ask for opinions, it saves a lot of space. I know I sound grouchy but I am tired and scared.
I'm just SO tired of living from paycheck to paycheck, and always (nm)
.
Personally, I live paycheck to paycheck because...
I enjoy the constant worry about how to pay my bills and always getting to say I have some lines to make up so I won't be there. Social lives are overrated. I like getting up at 3:00 a.m. and jumping online so I can wrestle a few more jobs out of the system. I don't mind hearing that my supervisor is on vacation again because I know I will be able to use my PTO to make up for my downtime. It's kind of the same thing. I think Ramen noodles aren't just for college students, and one pair of jeans is all you really need for 3 years. I believe very strongly that all the recruiters and managers in the transcription business are taking wage cuts every year, too, so I don't want to feel like I am asking for more than my share.

Living paycheck to paycheck...it's my right darn it.

Are you saying that Transcend DOES make you work 1 year before? : (
Thanks for the info!  I was thinking of applying there.
Transcend BOUGHT MDI, you make it sound like
MDI is actually running Transcend. Liz is expendable if she does not do her job. Liz et AL might own stock in Transcend, but I doubt that they own the controlling interest.

However, neither company has the MT's best interest at heart. They are paying to have dictation by easy dictators done by voice recognition and making sure the rest of us are left with the horrible dictators they have on most of their accounts. I used to think JLG had the lock on bad dictators, but MDI and Transcend have made JLG look good.
I make a lot of money/lines at Transcend.
It probably depends on the platform. I love the company; have been there for a while but also worked elsewhere. This company is the best. E-mail me if you'd like
I make 11 cpl with straight typing with MDI, and I doubt Transcend will keep our pay as it is. I am
nm
I guess what you make at Transcend is based on what you made when you came on board, 8 cpl here. sm

I guess since the last 2 companies purchased made good cpl Transcend is willing to pay them what they made, really not fair for others only making 8 cpl, but I guess they gotta cut corners somewhere in order to keep the new Transcenders happy.  I think you all are getting the best deal they have to offer. 


Stay with Transcend. I make more money edit than I ever could straight typing
Plus, the benefits are pretty good. Insurance is a little high but it is everywhere.
Can IC even get unemployment?
:+
Unemployment

This is very interesting to know.  Maybe it is something to consider when given an option to work as an IC or an employee.  If you don't mind me asking, what state are you from?


Anyone Know Unemployment Law?
What is unemployment situation when US employer is defunct but employees (supposedly) get absorbed by off-shore company?
Unemployment
Ok - not quite sure why this has been such an issue. When I applied for unemployment, it was KS actions that determined that I was unemployed. Just as if I had any other kind of job - had I been laid off or terminated - I would have applied for unemployment - I don't know who wouldn't. So, I'm not quite sure why this has been so blown out of proportion. My counselor is the one who had to deal with KS - and they reported back to me what was going on - not the other way around. I had nothing to do with the determination of whether or not I was entitled to unemployment. That was determined by the laws in my state and I was told that my previous employer did not understand the law - I did not say that to just be saying it. A lot goes into the determination of unemployment and if you meet the criteria - then you begin to receive your benefits. In searching for MT jobs, there are not a tremendous amount of jobs that met the criteria of what I was working with KS. I immediately found work as an IC and received only the difference in the amount I earned and the amount of my benefit. I was never offered anything of employee status, so I just stayed with the IC job. I would ask - if you or your spouse lost your job - would you not apply for unemployment? Until you are in that position, I would ask that you not judge what others do. Perhaps someone out there has learned something from these posts, if nothing more than to file for unemployment if they lose their jobs. Certainly there are people losing jobs everyday - lest the job-seekers boards would not have new job postings everyday. I do not take offense at those who have called this fraud or illegal - I just realize that they are ignorant of the unemployment laws of their state. My next post for companies is what information they can and cannot give legally on previous employees if contacted for a reference. That will open some eyes, I am sure.
Unemployment
How long do you have to be at a place of employment before you can collect unemployment?
unemployment?
They go by last two years, you have to have enough months in a two year period - check your local office online

Unemployment
Most of the time as long as you are laid off or fired for reasons that do not entail stealing or being drunk on the job does not matter how long you were on the job. -- exception might under 30 days but am not sure.  However, what you are paid depends on the last 4 to 5  quarters (which is 12 to 18 months ago) prior to the quarter you are in.  If you get laid off after June 1st, you check is based on the first quarter of 2007 and possible all of 2006. Again like other posters have said, check out your state.  If you were not employed much in the the past year and half, your check will be quite small if anything at all.    Again go on line to your state page and it will direct you to the unemployment page.  You must be employee and not IC. 
You should be able to get unemployment
The unemployment office will contact SPI to verify that you were, in fact, laid off and will ask for the reason why you were let go. You should qualify for unemployment until you find another company. Good luck!
I would take unemployment!
The same thing happened to me 4 years ago.  MQ took my job and I refused to go with them.  I then waited until I found a decent company to work for.  If you are used to working in-house, it might take you a while to find a company that is a good fit for you.  Good Luck!!
SPI and unemployment

Please excuse typos in first note.  Long day, even longer week!


Thanks.


And don't we pay our OWN unemployment? sm
I was under the impression WE pay into it, the company doesn't. Check your pay stub.
Unemployment
I wonder if they offer you another shift if you can get unemployment. I mean not many people can do a third shift. I know I can't - I'd fall asleep!
IC and unemployment
Depends on what state you live in. In Oregon, you are screwed...been there.
did you get unemployment??
x
TT and unemployment...sm
Just wondering if anyone there has filed for unemployment and gotten it?  I have worked every day this pay period and won't make my lines.
unemployment
I don't think we are eligible for unemployment, as we are not employees. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Unemployment
The sad thing is we can't get unemployment and we are not to retirement age yet!  Good luck to you too!  My husband actually suggested I start housecleaning other people's houses for a living - at this rate it may pay better - LOL
No you can't quit a job and get unemployment.xc
x
Unemployment Rights
Hi - sorry about your unfortunate experience with Spheris. I don't know if the unemployment laws for the state in which you reside or the state in which THEY reside would apply. Anyway, here's the Tennessee website for employee/employer rights: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/esdiv.html. Perhaps this is your chance to start off 2006 with a company that appreciates what you bring to the table, utilizes your talents effectively, and allows you to grow while making a living wage! Best of luck!
Another point is unemployment. Think about it. They are
evading tax laws. Report them to your state. The state will get them eventually. Believe me. I know mine is working on this one company and I believe I will check with them to see if they have done anything yet. When they actually return a late fee to the taxpayer, that means they have finally listened and they did pay all late fees they ever charged me because as an employee, that is not my job to do the taxes. It is the employer's job.

A good company will abide by the tax laws. A company that tells you they do not have to pay your state tax has not done their homework. When they get zammed by your state with late fees, then they will find out.
Unemployment/COBRA

They said we should apply for unemployment asap but how can we do that if we are still working for them until 7/7?


Also, how much is unemployment usually? I've never been on it. I've heard it is about 66% of your usual pay? Is this correct?


Also... can you apply for Medicaid with unemployment? The COBRA rate is at least $540 for myself and my daughter. :(


When do you file for unemployment?

My job has not had any work for 2 weeks now.  If there is no work, can you file unemployment?  Or do I wait until they let me go and then file?


 


Thanks


Yes it is - that's why I do not think she can quality for unemployment.
nm
me too!!!! just got the call :( :( unemployment here I come.
xx
with unemployment like it is - if you got offered TAKE IT
who cares if it's harder or easier. So many out of work. So many trying to get jobs. TAKE WHAT YOU CAN GET.
Unemployment compensation
Has anyone been able to collect unemployment due to lack of work? This is towards those who are employees and not ICs.  I was just wondering if we are eligible for something like that.  I've never collected in my life and was just curious if anyone else had. 
I have been drawing unemployment -
I live in Georgia and I was able to draw unemployment due to lack of work.  I had to meet the requirements of having been hired as a full time employee and there not being enough work for full time anymore.  If you are going to apply, keep meticulous records in case they deny you and you have to appeal.  Every week I have to report how much I did make that week and they subtract that from my benefits.Email me if you need to talk more.
I have been drawing unemployment -
I live in Georgia and I was able to draw unemployment due to lack of work.  I had to meet the requirements of having been hired as a full time employee and there not being enough work for full time anymore.  If you are going to apply, keep meticulous records in case they deny you and you have to appeal.  Every week I have to report how much I did make that week and they subtract that from my benefits.Email me if you need to talk more.
UNEMPLOYMENT LINE! THEY PAY MORE THAN 50%, not like VR - nm

Question about unemployment compensation

I work for a national that introduced a new platform several months ago that has had problems virtually daily, ranging from bad sound, jobs not showing up on line count, to long jobs actually being "taken away" from someone and given to someone else after the original person completed most, if not all, of the job.


The newest problem it now has seems to be that you can't access work on this program when work truly does exist.  However, it's impossible to tell if the program isn't working or if there truly isn't any work.  So you never know just what's going on.  Tech support can't fix the problem, and if management cares, they sure don't show it.  In addition to all this, my account has suddenly been overstaffed, so I'm constantly fighting for jobs.  I can't tell if the new person is being played as a favorite, if the program is malfunctioning or if there simply isn't any work.  As a result, I can't earn enough money to pay my bills, and this is through no fault of my own.


If I quit under these circumstances, can I collect unemployment (until I can find another job)?  Does anyone know? 


TIA.


You can only quit a job and collect unemployment under

extenuating circumstances.  I quit a job where the boss was temperamental.  He would cuss, punch holes in the wall, and scream at us.  One of his employees kept making rude and suggestive (more than suggestive) remarks to me, even telling me he was going to rape me.  Another employee actually grabbed my shirt and bra right in front of customers.  When I complained to the boss about the sexual harrassment, he told me I was a big girl and could handle myself.  I quit.  I went to the unemployment division, and they said I could collect unemployment benefits, as well as file a lawsuit against the owner for not stopping his employees' behavior and for a hostile work environment.  I got offered a decent job less than an hour after that, so I didn't bother.  I always think that maybe I should have.... 


Anyway, I doubt you could collect unemployment in your situation.  You need to start job hunting now. 


I fiiled unemployment with MedQuist and got it,
x
filed for partial unemployment

I don't know completely your situation, but a few years ago, I filed for partial unemployment while employed at a service b/c the workload was extremely sparse and did receive it.  When I filed, I also went looking for a new job and found one within a month. 


My suggestion like others is to start looking now for a new job, but if the workload is low, you could possibly get partial unemployment now until a new job is found.  Every state is different, so you would have to check with the unemployment office in your state regarding benefits, insurance, etc.  Good luck in your search!


It's called structural unemployment..
for US losing jobs to offshore. It is not necessarily a bad thing though because it forces Americans to find other jobs and be creative (my husband and I are building a new business) here in the US. When we run out of something here in the US, Americans get going and find something new to do!! It will in the end actually make our economy better. I like to think of it being similar to the post WWII technology revolution when machines replaced people in assemblyline work. Americans recover and our economy will be better off for it. We are a brilliant country and from this, we will also recover. I have about 1 year in MT left and I can't wait to get out and leave the low pay and no respect to the offshore. If they can do and want to for the pennies they get, more power to 'em!!
Unemployment line for me . . . can't pay bills off of air . . . n/m
n