Help available for state’s jobless 
Unemployed workers who have questions or problems with their state unemployment benefit claims now have another option for getting help.

A new state Unemployment Insurance Agency Problem Resolution Office (PRO) has opened at 33523 W. Eight Mile Rd. in Livonia, with office hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. That office joins PRO locations that are already open in Gaylord, 400 W. Main St.; Lansing, 5015 S. Cedar St., and Marquette, 2833 US 41 West.

“We encourage those with questions about their unemployment claims to call our toll-free telephone inquiry line at (866) 500-0017,” said David Plawecki, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. “The inquiry phone line should be their first and primary means of seeking help, but if they still have issues or need to meet with someone face to face to resolve a problem with their claim, they can still visit PRO.”

Another phone number that can be used to help with claim questions is the agency’s customer relations hotline, (800) 638-3995.

Worker-to-worker walks scheduled
Round 2 in a series of worker-to-worker meet-and-greet sessions will be held over the next few weeks in locations around Michigan.

Called the Labor 2004 Michigan Walks campaign, the events utilize volunteer union members to approach other union members about the importance of voting for labor-endorsed candidates in 2004. Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry is sure to be at the top of the discussion agenda.

Events will include learning about candidates and issues and by walking door-to-door, talking with other union members about the importance of this election and how they can make a difference. The walk dates and locations follow:

The first will take place Tuesday, June 22 from 5-5:30 p.m. at 918 Benjamin Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Contact Jim Ranazzi, (616) 452-8240.

Saturday, June 26, from 8-9:30 a.m. at Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, 17100 W. 12 Mile Rd., Southfield. (248) 557-7575. Contact: Brenda Moon, (313) 961-0800.

Saturday, July 10, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., Kalamazoo Teamsters Local 7, 3330 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo. (269) 343-1269. Contact: Dan Ferson, (269) 381-9900.

Saturday, July 10, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Detroit IBEW Local 58, 1358 Abbott, Detroit. (313) 963-2130. Contact Brenda Moon, (313) 961-0800 or Derek Pennington, (313) 963-2130.

Saturday, July 17, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Saturday, July 31 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Saginaw-CWA Local 4108, 1614 Mershon, Saginaw. Contact: Cathy Trudell, (989) 755-0433 ext. 209.

Saturday, July 17 from 8: 30 to 9:30 a.m., Downriver area, USWA Dist. 2, 13233 Hancock Dr., Taylor. Contact: Jay McMurran, (734) 374-8200

Date to be determined, Muskegon-CIO Building, 490 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. (231) 722-3134. Contact: Marge Robinson, (231) 773-1222.