Broschart v. Employment Security Department

**What happened:** Scott Broschart worked for Intalco Aluminum Corporation and accepted a voluntary severance package when the company offered buyouts to employees. After leaving his job, Broschart applied for unemployment benefits but was denied by the Washington Employment Security Department. He argued that he should qualify for benefits because he was essentially forced to leave due to the company's circumstances. **What the court decided:** The Washington Court of Appeals sided with the Employment Security Department and denied Broschart's unemployment claim. The court found that Broschart voluntarily quit his job without "good cause" as required by state law. The court determined that Intalco had not provided written notice that layoffs were inevitable, had not selected specific employees for termination, and had not taken final steps to end anyone's employment. Since Broschart chose to accept the severance offer on his own, it was considered a voluntary resignation. **Why this matters for workers:** This ruling clarifies that accepting a voluntary severance or buyout package typically disqualifies you from unemployment benefits, even if you feel pressured by uncertain company conditions. Workers should carefully consider whether taking a voluntary severance is worth potentially losing unemployment benefits, and understand that the circumstances must meet strict legal requirements to qualify as involuntary termination.