In The Media

LAAW's George Warner of the Wage Protection Program joined KPCC/LAist for a live virtual event to discuss filing for unemployment for self-employed Californians. California's Employment Development Department (EDD) began accepting unemployment claims from self-employed Californians, who wouldn't qualify for unemployment benefits.

LAAW's George Warner answers questions on KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" segment regarding unemployment benefits for gig economy workers in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

LAAW's George Warner of the Wage Protection Program answers a series of questions about unemployment benefits in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis on KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" segment.

Kim Ouillette talks to KQED about why a one-time payment of $500 will not be enough to support the many undocumented workers in California who are out of work due to the COVID-19 crisis. The article also discusses the call to Governor Newsom for California to provide "weekly payments of $600 to jobless undocumented immigrants until the emergency proclamation is lifted" from the Safety Net for All coalition, which includes Legal Aid at Work.

Alexis and Kim discuss the obstacles and opportunities for undocumented workers seeking benefits. They explain which benefits are—and aren't—available to undocumented workers, explain the steps undocumented workers can take to apply for benefits, and provide practical information about how long the process usually takes.

Carole Vigne, Director of LAAW's Wage Protection Program, speaks with the Los Angeles Times about the logistical hurdles many workers are experiencing in trying to file unemployment insurance claims in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Carole speaks to how workers are likely to see significant delays in the processing of these claims due to staffing constraints at the Employment Development Department (EDD).

Christopher Ho, director of LAAW's National Origin and Immigrants' Rights Program, speaks with The Counter about the lack of a safety net for undocumented restaurant workers during the Covid-19 crisis. The article discusses the work of advocates to provide relief funds to undocumented workers in the short-term as well as the long-term efforts to create structural change.

LAAW attorney Katherine Wutchiett speaks to the San Francisco Chronicle about the issues facing low-wage workers during the COVID-19 crisis and the need for significant improvements to the social safety net during this crisis and beyond. The article also discusses a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom from LAAW and a coalition of over 120 California labor, family advocacy, legal, civil rights and other groups requesting executive action to protect workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Work & Family Program Director Sharon Terman provides practical advice to workers about their rights to Unemployment Insurance and other supports that help workers replace lost income or keep their jobs during the Coronavirus outbreak.