People have every right to be upset at @NYSLabor for its handling of UI claims during this time. But the public should know that to try and rectify the backlog, @NYSPEF members are working incredible amounts of OT and many have not seen a dime of that OT pay.

@NYSPEF members are taking calls all day and night. Listening to people yell, scream, cry in frustration that they can't put food on the table. It is unfortunately part of the job. Our members know that. Our members respect the struggle. But it takes its toll.

@NYSPEF members are helping struggling families across the state, working substantial OT with little to no training. And they're not getting paid. The DOL not paying OT - that's a special kind of sad irony.

The disrespect continues. NYS is, as far as we can tell, explicitly misinterpreting its own budget bulletin to pay the employees working all this OT well below their usual rate of pay. With no notice or forewarning. This is wrong.

Mandatory OT isn't fun, but it's part of being a public servant, especially in times of crisis. I have not heard any member complain about having to do the work, or the importance and urgent need. They are exhausted. They are beaten down. And they're not even getting paid.

And oh, it gets better. They have contractors doing this work, who lack training and experience, and are navigating a 40+ year computer system. Of course, they struggle. Then the OT is needed for our members to fix the work of the contractors. This delays UI claim payments.

Hopefully, @NYSLabor is working quickly to modernize the systems. Hopefully, the mandatory OT for our members will end. But right now? If you're pissed about your UI claim being late, don't blame the workers. They're trying. Blame 40 years of State neglect. Blame short staffing.