FROM THE CAP FILES: The Case of the Tardy Veterinary Assistant

A local animal hospital fired a veterinary assistant for excessive tardiness. After denial of her unemployment benefits, the employee appealed and requested a hearing. The court found that the employee had indeed been tardy, but a Claimant Advocacy Program attorney successfully argued that the employee never received a warning that her job was in jeopardy prior to termination and that there was no evidence that the employee’s attendance pattern harmed the employer’s business interest.  The court found that the employee was not deliberately tardy, there was no harm to the business interest to the employer and granted the employee’s claim for full unemployment benefits.
The Claimant Advocacy Program (CAP) is a free legal counseling service available to individuals who file unemployment compensation appeals in the District of Columbia. Call 202-974-8150 for more info.

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