The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has upheld the denial of unemployment benefits for Laura I. Ordo, ruling that her resignation from Black Knight Security, Inc. was due to willful misconduct. The court's decision, issued on August 24, 2026, affects individuals seeking unemployment compensation who may have left their jobs under similar circumstances.
The case, L.I. Ordo v. UCBR, was prompted by Ordo's appeal against the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review (Board) after her request for reconsideration was denied. The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of attendance and participation in hearings related to unemployment claims.
Background
Laura I. Ordo worked as a Human Resources Generalist at Black Knight Security, Inc. from July 29, 2024, until her resignation on September 24, 2024. Ordo left her position citing anxiety related to her job duties. Following her resignation, the employer offered her a part-time, flexible position to assist in recruiting until a new hire could be found. However, Ordo declined this offer.
In January 2025, the employer reached out to Ordo for work, but she declined again due to her husband's illness. After a period of not communicating with the employer, Ordo applied for unemployment compensation benefits on March 28, 2025. Initially, the Department of Labor and Industry found her eligible for benefits, stating there was no evidence of willful misconduct. However, the employer appealed this decision.
The Ruling
The court, led by Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon, affirmed the Board's decision, which found that Ordo had engaged in willful misconduct by abandoning her job. The court stated, "Claimant’s abandonment of her position and failure to inform Employer of her plans constitutes willful misconduct." This ruling was based on the fact that Ordo did not attend the scheduled hearing to present her case and did not file for a continuance.
During the hearing, the referee noted that Ordo's absence prevented her from contesting the claims made by the employer regarding her job abandonment. The court highlighted that Ordo had the opportunity to argue her case but failed to attend the hearing, leading to the affirmation of her ineligibility for benefits.
Impact
This ruling sets a significant precedent for future unemployment compensation cases in Pennsylvania. It underscores the necessity for claimants to actively participate in hearings and to provide valid reasons for any absence. The court's decision reinforces the idea that failure to attend a hearing can result in the loss of benefits, particularly when the claimant has the opportunity to present evidence or arguments.
Moreover, the ruling clarifies the standards for what constitutes willful misconduct under Pennsylvania law, particularly in cases where a claimant resigns from their position. This case may influence how future claims are handled, especially regarding the importance of communication between employees and employers during disputes.
What's Next
Ordo can potentially appeal the court's decision to a higher court, although the likelihood of success will depend on the grounds for appeal. Details regarding any related cases or pending appeals were not available in the court filing.