Matison v. Hutt

This case presents the issue of whether an employee who elects to terminate employment rather than lose valuable union benefits can be eligible for unemployment compensation. The trial court determined that such a reason for termination is for “good cause” within the meaning of RCW 50.20.050. We affirm.

The two plaintiffs, members of a union, were employed at a motel restaurant. Pursuant to a decertification election, the union ceased to be the exclusive bargaining agent for the restaurant employees, and plaintiffs quit their jobs. Plaintiffs sought unemployment compensation, but the…