Murphy v. Department of Employment Security

Leo E. Murphy appeals the Superior Court affirmance of the Department of Employment Security denying his unemployment benefits. Mr. Murphy challenges the Commissioner's conclusion that he did not demonstrate "good cause" for leaving his employment. We reverse.

Mr. Murphy, age 50, worked for Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation for 17 years as a brickmason. On January 25, 1985, Kaiser informed him that due to a cutback in employees, his services as a brickmason were not needed. Kaiser offered him a position in the pot room with a 5 percent reduction in salary. He voluntarily quit his job…