Salary was <60% by my employer w/o performance issues (no term. or resig. to date), can I collect unemployment?

Question

I had surgery back in Febuary and ended up needing more time off to recover.  When I went back to work I was informed that they decided to reduce my salary by 60% and took the option of ownership in the company (this was part of my initial agreement) off the table- this was NOT a performance related decision.  They also changed the territory I was to cover to include working directly with employees they knew I would not be willing to work with (ethical issues).  I had invested over $6K into the company (was to go towards purchasing shares) and was told that they would be willing to put that money towards me keeping my health insurance until I could find a job with benefits.  I am quite certain this decision was based on poor financial decisions on their part.  I have not been back to work for them.  There has been no "official" termination, "downsizing" or resignation by either of us.  Communcation with them is difficult to say the least.  I had another surgery at the end of June- doing well now.  Have been looking for another job to no avail.  Do I qualify for unemployment?  Financially we are sinking fast.  Help!

Answer 1

Look into FMLA, short term disability, worker's comp. A reduction in salary alone is nit enough. A reduction in hours is. Your situation is complicated by the potential for ownership in the company. Did they pay unemployment insurance for you?