Employment Department v. Piercy

In this unemployment compensation case, the Employment Department (Department) seeks review of an Employment Appeals Board (EAB) order that awarded claimant benefits because it concluded that claimant had not left work without good cause. ORS 657.176(2)(c). The issue is whether an employee who ceases to perform services for her employer and accepts a severance package that provides her with her regular paycheck and benefits for a number of months is eligible to receive unemployment benefits. We reverse and remand for reconsideration.

The pertinent facts are undisputed. Claimant worked as a…