Answer

I have reproduced the applicable statute that may disqualify you from benefits. There relevant portion of the statute reads as follows:

An employee shall be disqualified form receiving unemployment compensation benefits:

(b) In which his unemployment is due to voluntarily leaving work without cause of a necessitous and compelling nature, irrespective of whether or not such work is in "employment" as defined in this act: Provided, That a voluntary leaving work because of a disability if the employer is able to provide other suitable work, shall be deemed not a cause of a necessitous and compelling nature: And provided further, That no employee shall be deemed to be ineligible under this subsection where as a condition of continuing in employment such employee would be required to join or remain a member

of a company union or to resign from or refrain from joining any bona fide labor organization, or to accept wages, hours or conditions of employment not desired by a majority of the employees in the establishment or the occupation, or would be denied the right of collective bargaining under generally prevailing conditions, and that in determining whether or not an employee has left his work voluntarily without cause of a necessitous and compelling nature, the department shall give

consideration to the same factors, insofar as they are applicable, provided, with respect to the determination of suitable work under section four.

 

In your situation if you quit your job you can obtain employment benefits only if you can establish that you were forced to due to circumstances that are of a necessitous and compelling nature. Here your hours are dramatically changed and given your circumstances and need for child care, you have a serious concern and need. In my view this would qualify, although I was unable to locate a precise decision or regulation in Pennsylvania that says precisely this. The situation is contemplated by the statutes in that you cannot be forced to take another position where a majority of other persons working in the establishment would not accept it on the same terms and conditions.

 

I think it is likely you will be awarded benefits here, but obviously, there is some element of risk under the circumstances.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Pete