The state began offering group sessions to help Tennesseans file for unemployment benefits today. But turnout was surprisingly light.
Labor officials say the newness of mass filing explains why lines weren’t wrapped around the block, because phone lines have been tied up for months.
“It’ll answer and say ‘We’re sorry, we’re too busy to take your call’.”
Garrison Grimes is one of seven who showed up for the first session at the Nashville career center. Thousands of Tennesseans have shared his experience with the unemployment phone number. Grimes lost his job with a home theatre installation company three weeks ago. He was the general manager.
“We started laying people off back in July. We had about 12 employees. And it’s just been downhill ever since.”
Grimes says his job prospects aren’t good, but the unemployment check will help.
Mike Torlone applied to draw unemployment for the first time. He was the director of marketing for JBL audio until a month ago.
“If I want to stay in the industry I’ve been a part of for over 40 years I may have to relocate myself. Obviously, if I want to stay here in Nashville — our family loves it here — I have to be willing to look at other industries and other types of work.”
Torlone says he’ll give the job search a few more weeks, but he may have to lower his standards down the road.
Twenty-two career centers around the state will hold these group unemployment filing sessions on Monday’s and Thursday’s as long as needed.
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