Matter of Labbate (Commr. of Labor)

**Worker Wins Unemployment Benefits After Leaving Job Due to Sexual Harassment** This case involved a woman who quit her job at Robert Green Auto & Truck, Inc. because of sexual harassment and her employer's failure to properly address the problem. When she applied for unemployment benefits, the employer challenged her claim, arguing she wasn't entitled to benefits because she voluntarily left her job. The court ruled in the worker's favor. The Appellate Division agreed with the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board's decision that the employee had "good cause" to quit due to the sexual harassment she experienced and the company's inadequate response to her complaints. Because she had valid reasons for leaving, she was eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. This ruling is important for workers because it establishes that you can still qualify for unemployment benefits even if you quit your job, as long as you had good reason to leave. Sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment, especially when the employer fails to take proper action to stop it, can be considered good cause for quitting. Workers don't have to stay in unsafe or hostile work environments just to remain eligible for unemployment benefits if they lose their income.