Mrkonjich v. Erie Mining Co.

TODD, Justice.

The above matters have been consolidated on appeal. Each involves a denial of unemployment compensation. The basis for denial in each case was that the relevant benefit year included a period of time covered by a back pay award. The Department of Economic Security ruled that the time accounted for by the back pay period could not be credited in computing eligibility for unemployment compensation. We reverse.

Michael Mrkonjich worked for the Erie Mining Company (“Erie”) as a pipe changer from May 1, 1978, to August 1, 1979, when he was discharged for misconduct. He filed a claim…