Agency surpasses Department of Labor standards under leadership of Judge Buck

California's Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing all Department of Labor standards for second-level reviews, a feat attributed to the collective efforts of the agency's staff. During the live-streamed meeting on April 17, 2025, board members celebrated the agency's performance, noting that the national average case aging for second-level reviews stands at 153 days. In contrast, California has successfully closed 58,211 cases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a commitment to efficiency and responsiveness.

The board's chair expressed gratitude for the hard work of the entire agency, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in reaching these standards. This achievement marks the first time since March 31, 2022, that the board has met all Department of Labor standards, highlighting a significant turnaround in operations.

In addition to the performance report, the meeting introduced the new Chief Information Officer, John Kamplitt, who is in the process of familiarizing himself with the agency's systems and objectives. Board members welcomed him warmly, expressing optimism about his potential contributions to the agency's ongoing efforts.

The meeting concluded with a hiring report from Chief Administrative Officer Robert Silva, indicating a focus on strengthening the agency's workforce to maintain its high standards of service. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to improving the appeals process for California residents, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing unemployment claims in the state.