Because the voices of unemployed workers are critical to the national debate over jobless benefits and the economy, “unemployment talk” also provides an opportunity for interested workers to communicate with the media and other interested organizations. 

Please include your name and hometown. If you are interested in becoming an unemployedworkers.org media activist please let us know and include your phone number.

We'll post interesting stories on the website.

Unemployed Workers Share Their Stories:

Mike - Bentonville, AR

"I was laid off in Feb. of 08 just 2 days before returning to work from disability leave due to much needed knee surgery . I was looking forward to getting back to work due to falling behind on bills whileon disability leave ( it was over the Christmas holiday season ! ) . I was shocked to be laid off from my manufacturing job over the phone .The HR person told me not to worry because I was eligible for UI benefits and I would find a new job quickly . I immediately began updating my resume and searched for work , but work never came . By the end of 2008 we had exhausted our savings , ran up all our credit cards and could no longer afford our home that we were leasing to own.It was time for drastic measures . We filed for bankruptcy , sold my wifes car and much of our possessions . Then we got the heck out of California for greener pastures . Now we find ourselves in Northwest Arkansas with still no job prospects . My 6 yr old son has been in 3 different schools due us having to move around . Ive put out at least 400 applications/resumes since Feb of 08 . I have exhausted my benefits with no relief in sight . At this point we are living day to day hoping and praying for a job opportunity or at least another extension to keep a roof over our heads and food in our stomach until things change . I have always worked . This is my first time on unemployment and hopefully my last."

Nick - Philadelphia, PA

"Thanks for all the updates. Your organization is pretty much all we have. I have written every senator and politician in re: to this matter. If you want to [highlight] my case I am a liver transplant patient who pays cobra ins 1200.00 p/mo, I support a wife and 2 [epileptic] sons and I worked my entire life. It almost killed me. I was on critical list numerous times. I have sent out 800+ resumes, no luck. Like I said I thank you for what you do, cause it is the [right] thing. Thank You"

Melissa - Winona, OH

"I am a single mom of 3 children ages 11, 12 and 19. I have been unemployed since Dec 07. I have not found a job of any kind in almost 2 years. I hope a extension is put though soon. Mine ended 3 weeks ago. I only have 2 more years to pay on my house and I have a fear I will lose my lifetime investment over this. My middle daughter has a brain tumor, which puts more stress on my family. My weekly benefit amount is only 148.00 But I use every penny of that to live. Please do what ever possible to pass as many weeks as possible.. Please feel free to use my story."