Opinion ID: 2451259
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Calvert's transportation problems did provide a compelling reason to quit.

Text: The first element of good cause requires that a worker have a compelling reason for leaving work. [41] In contrast to the requirements for determining suitability, [t]here is no requirement that [a] worker's reasons for leaving work be connected with the work. Either work-connected or personal factors may present sufficiently compelling reasons. [42] 8 AAC 85.095 provides a limited list of factors the Department may consider in determining the existence of good cause, including those factors identified in AS 23.20.385(b). One such factor is distance of. . . available work from the claimant's residence. [43] The BPM clarifies that, for purposes of determining good cause, [t]he actual mileage from the worker's residence to work is never the determining factor in establishing compelling reasons. It is the time and expense of commuting which must be considered. [44] The Hearing Officer concluded in her decision that [t]he loss of transportation can create a compelling reason for a worker to quit [his or her] job. We agree that Calvert demonstrated that her transportation difficulties gave her a compelling reason to quit. The actual mileage from Calvert's home to Snug Harbor was not unusual, but the time and expense involved in her commute were significant: her bike was gradually breaking down to the point where her commute took an hour and a half each way, CARTS would not allow her to schedule open-ended trips or make last-minute arrangements to fit her work schedule, and taxi fare was prohibitively expensive. These facts provide substantial evidence that meets the standard for showing a compelling reason to quit: left unresolved, they would cause a reasonable and prudent person of normal sensitivity . . . to leave employment. [45]