Leibbrand v. Employment Security Department

Craig Leibbrand appeals the Employment Security Department’s (Department) decision denying him unemployment benefits based on disqualifying misconduct. The final sentence of RCW 50.20.060, which precludes a claimant from arguing as a defense to disqualification that alcoholism caused the alleged misconduct, is constitutional. Substantial evidence supports the Department’s determination that Leibbrand committed disqualifying misconduct. We affirm.

Leibbrand worked for Boeing as an assembler/installer from 1978 until December 1998. Under Boeing’s written attendance policy, “[u]nreported absences…