Ortega v. Florida Unemployment Appeals Commission

The Appellant John Ortega appeals from the Unemployment Appeals Commission’s decision affirming the Appeals Referee’s determination that appellant is not entitled to unemployment benefits. Prior to the hearing in front of the Appeals Referee, appellee Symax Services Limited, appellant’s former employer, requested a continuance. The Appeals Referee responded to Symax’s request for a continuance by granting “the request to delay [Symax’s] appearance” and stating that the telephonic hearing would proceed as scheduled, without the presence of Symax. The Appeals Referee further stated, “If the…