WETHERSFIELD -- Long wait times are the norm right now for people phoning or visiting Connecticut's Department of Labor.
Initial unemployment claims are up 300 percent in the last few weeks, and the approximately 50 representatives working there are expected to field 9,000 calls this week, according to Daryle Dudzinski, director of labor operations for the Department of Labor.
Dudzinski said the influx of claims is expected. The end of December and early January is the busiest time of the year for unemployment claims.
"Well, for Connecticut, with the weather you have construction, you have landscaping," said Dudzinksi of anticipated layoffs. "With holiday shopping, retail will have some changes there."
The large volume of claims prompts an automated message from the Department of Labor, telling callers to phone back in an hour or stay on hold.
Antonia Gonzalez said she'd done that multiple times with no success.
"I've been trying to call since last Tuesday," said Gonzalez, a bus driver. She said she is laid off every year for about two weeks around Christmas.
Gonzalez is already back to work, but said she still needs to make up for those lost wages.
"Rent don't wait. Mortgage don't wait," she said. After she spoke with FOX 61, Dudzinski took her information and made sure her claim was completed.
"I'm happy because oh finally, please!" Gonzalez said, looking up to the sky.
Lloyd Coy was in a similar situation. The landscaper said he'd been trying to collect unemployment for three weeks and is not sure how he is going to pay his bills.
"I need my unemployment like, today," said Coy. "When you call back, you get that same thing after that hour, then you hear the same thing after that hour, so, what's really going on?"
Dudzinski said his staff is doing the best they can with what they have.
"Unfortunately, it's a funding issue," he said, adding that when he can, he is assigning other employees to answer calls.
Eventually, Dudzinski hopes to have the whole initial unemployment claim process done online.
For tips from the Department of Labor during this busy time, click here.
