ESC will be open Labor Day for questions - Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

30 August 2007 — There are many times when the citizens we serve need information from our agency or have questions that need to be answered at times when it is difficult for them to reach us. The demands of running a business, keeping a job, or going to school during the week usually get in the way.

Of course, when they have time on the weekends, our agency—like most of state government—is closed.

Since being appointed chairman of the N.C. Employment Security Commission six years ago, I have been joined by nearly three dozen ESC volunteers in making the ESC available on Labor Day so our customers—from businesses to jobseekers—can have their employment-related questions answered by phone and e-mail.

This year, as in previous years, we are displaying posters in our 93 local offices throughout the state, and are airing public service announcements heralding the event. We have received more and more queries each year (over 4,000 last year) from individuals during the time (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) that we are working. This year, we expect to be even more busy assisting customers on Monday, September 3, Labor Day.

The toll-free (in North Carolina) phone number is 877-ESC-OKOK (877-372-6565). The e-mail address to contact us that day is: esc.askesc@ncmail.net.

Most of the calls and e-mails received in the past have related to existing issues with customers' unemployment insurance claims; re-setting Personal Identification Numbers so customers could utilize our online services; and inquiries about unemployment insurance checks. In addition, business owners have contacted us about tax questions or issues with a layoff or hiring situation.

Each of our volunteers is equipped with a computer so he or she can look up customers' account information, and, in many cases, resolve issues instantaneously.

I am very proud of our volunteers for giving up their holiday, but they do so gladly because of their commitment to customer service. In return, our customers have expressed their appreciation for the ESC's accessibility and the quick resolution given to many of their questions.

More and more North Carolinians are associating Labor Day—the first Monday in September—as an additional day when they can turn to the ESC for answers to workplace issues. And we are very happy to have the event recognized that way.

We at the ESC see it as a day of paying tribute to North Carolina's workers and business owners, who are responsible daily for strengthening the well-being of our state.

Back to this week's News Leader