They Thought a Denial Would Shut Me Up. Wrong Move.

After six weeks of certifying and unsuccessfully calling the Department of Labor nearly every day to try to speak to an actual person - sometimes multiple times a day - I finally got their decision. And let me tell you, it reads like it was written in crayon.

Here’s exactly what they said:

 “You are disqualified under Section 593.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Law because you quit your job without good cause.”

Then they doubled down with this insulting explanation:

“You quit due to dissatisfaction with the actions of your employer. Although you state you were forced to resign, the available information shows that your separation from employment was voluntary and you have not shown that you had a compelling reason for resigning.”

That’s it. No reference to the hostile environment. No mention of the retaliation. No acknowledgment that I submitted a paper trail, formal complaints, timelines, witness names, and photographic evidence. No mention that I was ghosted by HR after reporting sexual harassment and illegal training practices. Just the claim that I was “dissatisfied.”

And worse? They never once called me.

Not a single phone call or a single email. Despite the fact that I reached out almost every day for six weeks - leaving messages, submitting documents, trying to speak to an actual human. They didn’t investigate. They didn’t question me. They didn’t even try.

But here’s the part that actually helps me:

This denial works in my favor.

Now they’ve forced this case into appeal. That means they will have to explain themselves to a judge, under oath, without perjuring themselves -  and I will subpoena every single person involved. I’ll demand every document, every chat, every complaint, and every video. Especially the ones they think I don’t know exist. Because this isn't just 'about unemployment - it’s about the truth.

And let’s be very clear: this isn’t about money. I have plenty to live on. I’m not fighting for a check - I’m fighting for accountability. They wanted to quietly deny my claim and move on like it never happened. But one flimsy denial isn’t going to stop me — it fuels me.

And here’s something else they’re not prepared for:

Judges in unemployment appeals don’t take kindly to one-sided decisions. When the DOL doesn’t bother to investigate or speak to the claimant - especially when the employer has something to lose - it reflects poorly on the agency.  Administrative Law Judges do tend to favor employees when the system is clearly broken.

So thank you, NY Department of Labor.

You just handed me an official excuse to put everyone under oath- and I plan to use it.

See the DOL denial form below.

-- K