Kueng v. Employment Department

**What Happened** An employee named Kueng was fired from West Coast Bank for problems with how she handled cash drawer keys and followed proper cash handling procedures. After being terminated, she applied for unemployment benefits. The Employment Department denied her claim, saying she was fired for misconduct. Kueng appealed this decision, arguing she deserved unemployment benefits. **What the Court Decided** The court sided with the Employment Department and upheld the denial of unemployment benefits. The court agreed that Kueng was fired for misconduct because she improperly handled cash drawer keys and didn't follow the bank's required cash handling procedures. Since her termination was due to misconduct rather than circumstances beyond her control, she was not eligible for unemployment compensation. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case shows that employees who are fired for violating workplace policies—especially those involving money handling or security procedures—may not qualify for unemployment benefits. Workers should understand that misconduct, even if unintentional, can affect their ability to receive unemployment compensation after termination. Following company policies carefully is important not just for keeping your job, but also for protecting your eligibility for benefits if you lose it.