Gary Molloy, commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor (VIDOL), has announced additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) services for those affected by the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott companies’ closures. As of Wednesday, Aug. 21, additional unemployment insurance services administered on a walk-in basis are now being scheduled by appointment.
The department has taken this measure to address concerns raised by the former employees of the Ritz Carlton/Marriott Resort at a town hall meeting, called by Sen. Athneil “Bobby” Thomas and Sen. Stedmann Hodge Jr.
The Labor commissioner makes the following recommendation regarding the collection of benefits: “Unemployment insurance benefits are allocated based on information provided by both employees and employers. Mandatory information reported to the department is processed to ensure that claimants receive comprehensive benefits for the specified time(s) of need. When a discrepancy occurs, we conduct investigations on a case by case basis. We encourage all claimants to report issues. The data we collect from claimant reports will help to resolve issues. At present, there are other extensions to help offset the need for those who remain unemployed. VIDOL looks forward to providing further service to those claimants who remain in need of attention.”
For more information regarding unemployment insurance claims, contact the VIDOL Unemployment Insurance Unit offices in St. Thomas District at 776-3700 or in St. Croix District at 773-1994. Eligible claimants are encouraged to apply for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The final application period will end on Friday, Aug. 30, by close of business.
