|
Post by nylawyer on Apr 2, 2020 21:19:46 GMT -5
I’m glad it’s working better for some. I went into it very optimistic as my phone hearings from the hearing room had gone well. Yesterday was a disaster. I was supposed to have reporter number one take my hearings. She could not get into the program. So reporter number two was called in. We started late, but the second hearing had postponed so I was hopeful we would be back on track. No such luck. The call dropped frequently. I think the most we were able to record at once was about ten minutes at a time. I tried switching from WiFi to wired. I tried using my cell phone. We both restarted multiple times. Nothing helped. The first three hearings took about two hours each. Yes, I was IMing the HOCALJ the entire day. My VE was beyond irritated and would have quit, but we got hearing reporter number three. I think she took the last three hearings, but it’s all a blur. Once we switched I think we only had the call drop twice and once I think it was just that the rep accidentally hung up. Myself and hearing reporter three had to work credit hours to finish as there were no other reporters available. The absolute best part was finding out today that only the last two had fully recorded. At least one will need to be rescheduled for a new hearing. Some had only the voice of the reporter and no one else. I think for the most part, 90% or better, there are no problems with the phone hearings. If you are in the middle of NOWHERE, then internet might be a problem. The vast majority of America has reliable internet. I conducted 5 hour-long hearings from a small size city in America with ZERO issues! My headset was better than video hearings as far as sound, I could easily switch to simple ear phones from my cell phone. As far as the VE is concerned, they can get "beyond irritated" all they wish, but I will remind them that they are paid by the hearing and many days they get paid the same for doing ZERO! So give me attitude while in the mist of a National Pandemic and I will make you wish you weren't born! This is a National Pandemic, suck it up, drive on, and do your damn job! I very much doubt it's 90%. I was on a conference call with 3 offices earlier this week, and everyone who had had hearings had problems. I was lucky on Tuesday that almost all of my hearings declined to proceed by phone, because they would have been cancelled. Today I had my first crack with an interperter, and that was going to be torture, but fortunately it turned out that claimant didn't want a phone hearing either. It will improve with time I'm sure.
|
|
|
Post by WallyGator on Apr 2, 2020 21:26:05 GMT -5
I’m glad it’s working better for some. I went into it very optimistic as my phone hearings from the hearing room had gone well. Yesterday was a disaster. I was supposed to have reporter number one take my hearings. She could not get into the program. So reporter number two was called in. We started late, but the second hearing had postponed so I was hopeful we would be back on track. No such luck. The call dropped frequently. I think the most we were able to record at once was about ten minutes at a time. I tried switching from WiFi to wired. I tried using my cell phone. We both restarted multiple times. Nothing helped. The first three hearings took about two hours each. Yes, I was IMing the HOCALJ the entire day. My VE was beyond irritated and would have quit, but we got hearing reporter number three. I think she took the last three hearings, but it’s all a blur. Once we switched I think we only had the call drop twice and once I think it was just that the rep accidentally hung up. Myself and hearing reporter three had to work credit hours to finish as there were no other reporters available. The absolute best part was finding out today that only the last two had fully recorded. At least one will need to be rescheduled for a new hearing. Some had only the voice of the reporter and no one else. I think for the most part, 90% or better, there are no problems with the phone hearings. If you are in the middle of NOWHERE, then internet might be a problem. The vast majority of America has reliable internet. I conducted 5 hour-long hearings from a small size city in America with ZERO issues! My headset was better than video hearings as far as sound, I could easily switch to simple ear phones from my cell phone. As far as the VE is concerned, they can get "beyond irritated" all they wish, but I will remind them that they are paid by the hearing and many days they get paid the same for doing ZERO! So give me attitude while in the mist of a National Pandemic and I will make you wish you weren't born! This is a National Pandemic, suck it up, drive on, and do your damn job! I’m not in the middle of nowhere, but it was my first docket as part of a virtual detail so my support staff reporters were not in my area. I asked if I could record the hearings myself from my device and I was told I could not. I’ve teleworked both here and in my last office, which was a much smaller city. I’ve had very few issues with anything when teleworking and hoped this would be the same. I’m not unsympathetic to the position TPTB are in, but the lack of communication the last few weeks has been disappointing. I also thought this was tested out last week. I would think at a minimum everyone holding and taking hearings should have done a full run through test recording of at least the opening to a hearing. I had a docket of six and the first two people assigned to take the hearings had never even tried it from home. Not last week. Not earlier this week. I think we should try to hold hearings. If a claimant would rather have a phone hearing than wait we should make that happen. The VE was getting paid, but that docket was over three and a half hours longer than it should have been. No breaks or lunch unless you consider the countless times waiting for everyone to be called again and again after the call dropped. I feel like we have been a week behind on all of this. Support staff was in the office at least a week longer than they should have been unless they qualified for WAHQ which was similarly offered a week too late. Now I feel like we are a week behind where we should have been for phone hearings this week. I hope my experience was the exception and that by next week the office I’m working with catches up to everyone else.
|
|
|
Post by sealaw90 on Apr 3, 2020 7:46:20 GMT -5
I think for the most part, 90% or better, there are no problems with the phone hearings. If you are in the middle of NOWHERE, then internet might be a problem. The vast majority of America has reliable internet. I conducted 5 hour-long hearings from a small size city in America with ZERO issues! My headset was better than video hearings as far as sound, I could easily switch to simple ear phones from my cell phone. As far as the VE is concerned, they can get "beyond irritated" all they wish, but I will remind them that they are paid by the hearing and many days they get paid the same for doing ZERO! So give me attitude while in the mist of a National Pandemic and I will make you wish you weren't born! This is a National Pandemic, suck it up, drive on, and do your damn job! I’m not in the middle of nowhere, but it was my first docket as part of a virtual detail so my support staff reporters were not in my area. I asked if I could record the hearings myself from my device and I was told I could not. I’ve teleworked both here and in my last office, which was a much smaller city. I’ve had very few issues with anything when teleworking and hoped this would be the same. I’m not unsympathetic to the position TPTB are in, but the lack of communication the last few weeks has been disappointing. I also thought this was tested out last week. I would think at a minimum everyone holding and taking hearings should have done a full run through test recording of at least the opening to a hearing. I had a docket of six and the first two people assigned to take the hearings had never even tried it from home. Not last week. Not earlier this week. I think we should try to hold hearings. If a claimant would rather have a phone hearing than wait we should make that happen. The VE was getting paid, but that docket was over three and a half hours longer than it should have been. No breaks or lunch unless you consider the countless times waiting for everyone to be called again and again after the call dropped. I feel like we have been a week behind on all of this. Support staff was in the office at least a week longer than they should have been unless they qualified for WAHQ which was similarly offered a week too late. Now I feel like we are a week behind where we should have been for phone hearings this week. I hope my experience was the exception and that by next week the office I’m working with catches up to everyone else. Wally, my experience is that you are not the exception. The HCSRs who are doing the VHR duties in our office complained that they didn't get to take lunch when recording hearings. Maybe if we had taken a whole week to ensure we could roll out a telephone hearing operation by training and testing in each OHO, many of these issues could've been resolved... Just sayin
|
|
|
Post by smokingalj on Apr 3, 2020 10:29:36 GMT -5
I’m glad it’s working better for some. I went into it very optimistic as my phone hearings from the hearing room had gone well. Yesterday was a disaster. I was supposed to have reporter number one take my hearings. She could not get into the program. So reporter number two was called in. We started late, but the second hearing had postponed so I was hopeful we would be back on track. No such luck. The call dropped frequently. I think the most we were able to record at once was about ten minutes at a time. I tried switching from WiFi to wired. I tried using my cell phone. We both restarted multiple times. Nothing helped. The first three hearings took about two hours each. Yes, I was IMing the HOCALJ the entire day. My VE was beyond irritated and would have quit, but we got hearing reporter number three. I think she took the last three hearings, but it’s all a blur. Once we switched I think we only had the call drop twice and once I think it was just that the rep accidentally hung up. Myself and hearing reporter three had to work credit hours to finish as there were no other reporters available. The absolute best part was finding out today that only the last two had fully recorded. At least one will need to be rescheduled for a new hearing. Some had only the voice of the reporter and no one else. I think for the most part, 90% or better, there are no problems with the phone hearings. If you are in the middle of NOWHERE, then internet might be a problem. The vast majority of America has reliable internet. I conducted 5 hour-long hearings from a small size city in America with ZERO issues! My headset was better than video hearings as far as sound, I could easily switch to simple ear phones from my cell phone. As far as the VE is concerned, they can get "beyond irritated" all they wish, but I will remind them that they are paid by the hearing and many days they get paid the same for doing ZERO! So give me attitude while in the mist of a National Pandemic and I will make you wish you weren't born! This is a National Pandemic, suck it up, drive on, and do your damn job! I have yet to complete a hearing without a call issue. I'm in a major city and have broadband at home. Glad things are going so well for you, Tiger.
|
|
|
Post by ok1956 on Apr 3, 2020 12:25:42 GMT -5
I have had decent success with my hearings. According to VE yesterday my office and our success is the exception and not the rule based on his work with different offices. We can only do what we can do - I’m working hard to not stress with all that’s happening.
|
|
osage
New Member
Posts: 5
|
Post by osage on Apr 3, 2020 13:49:39 GMT -5
I had two days of hearings without any problem. The VHRs were able to adapt to problems and kept me informed at all times. However, today the VHR was late signing in, dialed the wrong telephone numbers and was generally flustered ( dialed 911 twice by mistake.). The day was a disaster. I don’t blame the VHR. HOMT was notified VHR was late and took no action ( or did not have time to get back to me). As for not knowing the correct telephone numbers, again not the VHR’s fault. I asked HOMT last week to put the correct telephone numbers in one location. Instead I find telephone numbers in case schedule screen sometimes, sometimes in remarks and sometimes the correct phone numbers are sent in by the law firm, But, my office often doesn’t read the letters received and more frequently fails to exhibit evidence so when the telephone numbers are supplied by letter the VHR doesn’t dial the correct numbers. Telephone hearings just exacerbate the problems poorly functioning offices have every day. To add insult to injury then got email from RO to move ALPO because writers need work. Why are writers still under draconian time limits if they don’t have a lot of work ? ( Sorry for the rant , grateful my family is healthy, we have food and a job. But wanted to share my experience).
|
|
|
Post by Legal Beagle on Apr 3, 2020 19:01:52 GMT -5
[/quote] Wally, my experience is that you are not the exception. The HCSRs who are doing the VHR duties in our office complained that they didn't get to take lunch when recording hearings. Maybe if we had taken a whole week to ensure we could roll out a telephone hearing operation by training and testing in each OHO, many of these issues could've been resolved... Just sayin[/quote]
Got the same complaint from my formerly known as SCTs - along with complaining that they don't have time to do their "real" SCT work. And some of the hearings did not get recorded.
|
|
|
Post by zbornee on Apr 3, 2020 19:13:57 GMT -5
AA here. i've written one decision and was able to hear the claimant on the video hearing recording, but i do miss having the transcript as i listen. i'll have to get used to writing about the telephonic hearing/75 day waiver due to COVID 19, though.
|
|
|
Post by hopefalj on Apr 3, 2020 19:32:51 GMT -5
My experience so far...
- Softphone was a waste of effort to bring home for me. Cell phone has worked perfectly, though.
- Reps have had the hardest time speaking loudly on the recording. Claimants, VEs, and I have been fine.
- only about half of my scheduled weekly docket is going. Some reps/claimants request PP. All unrepped claimants that we don't hear from are auto-PP.
- so far, all claimants and reps have been very flexible and letting me collapse my schedule as early and as compact as I can get it. That's been a help for me and my SCT in terms of time management.
- I have a great SCT who helps make things hum.
- my only snafu was an unprepared ME last week, but rep flexibility and a 50% hit rate for next week allowed me to get it rescheduled for next week.
- it could be better and it could be worse. I'm doing what I can, and I am fortunate to have figured out a workaround for my technical issues. Local management hasn't been on my back, my SCT is good, my HOSA is good, and reps/claimants have done their part. It can be done, but if any of these areas break down, it'll turn into an aggravating cluster quickly.
|
|
|
Post by jagvet on Apr 3, 2020 20:11:08 GMT -5
One good point. Since HM (SCT) calls everyone, we don't have MEs calling in on the wrong hearing.
|
|
|
Post by Thomas fka Lance on Apr 3, 2020 20:21:50 GMT -5
If a HCSR (SCT) did not get lunch, it is because the dumbass Judge didn't do their job while scheduling their hearings. I have always planned a 1 hour break in the middle of the day for lunch, not the whole hour, but a one hour break that will allow any over run in the AM hearings, but still allow for at least a 30 minute lunch break. I know that some Judges just plow right through, those type Judges don't have my respect and NEVER will! This job is not about you, it's about America and the Claimants! Treat the staff with respect, give them a lunch break, if you can't do that, well that says more about you than it does about any rationale trying to justify your decision to work through lunch! I believe despite the best laid plans, including a scheduled hour for lunch, and very talented formerly-known-as-SCTs recording the hearings, there have been multiple issues with the telephone hearings that cost all their lunch break. However, if folks are deliberately not scheduling lunch breaks, that is completely disrespectful to staff, the contract VHRs, and the VEs. While we may choose to work through a lunch break drafting instructions, we should not be forcing others to do so.
|
|
|
Post by WallyGator on Apr 3, 2020 20:37:27 GMT -5
Everyone is different, but almost every contractor VHR and VE I’ve worked with across many locations prefer a no lunch break schedule and some go so far as trying to avoid ALJs who schedule a lunch break by being unavailable on those hearing days.
I understand why some ALJs do or don’t include a lunch break. I think a lot of it also depends on how many hearings and hearing days you schedule a week as well as hearing length and use of experts. A high no show rate can play into it as well.
My dockets are usually done by 1 or 1:30 and I don’t see a benefit to adding an hour to the time the contractors need to be at the office. In large cities commute time is is a consideration.
I don’t think any of us scheduled these hearings thinking they would be held this way and are just trying to hold as many as we can. I’m hoping more of mine actually record this week. I’m not sure what benefit there is in criticizing scheduling choices made months ago under very different circumstances.
|
|
|
Post by aljudgmental on Apr 3, 2020 21:45:43 GMT -5
My experience so far... - Softphone was a waste of effort to bring home for me. Cell phone has worked perfectly, though. - Reps have had the hardest time speaking loudly on the recording. Claimants, VEs, and I have been fine. - only about half of my scheduled weekly docket is going. Some reps/claimants request PP. All unrepped claimants that we don't hear from are auto-PP. - so far, all claimants and reps have been very flexible and letting me collapse my schedule as early and as compact as I can get it. That's been a help for me and my SCT in terms of time management. - I have a great SCT who helps make things hum. - my only snafu was an unprepared ME last week, but rep flexibility and a 50% hit rate for next week allowed me to get it rescheduled for next week. - it could be better and it could be worse. I'm doing what I can, and I am fortunate to have figured out a workaround for my technical issues. Local management hasn't been on my back, my SCT is good, my HOSA is good, and reps/claimants have done their part. It can be done, but if any of these areas break down, it'll turn into an aggravating cluster quickly. Softphone works perfectly if you know how to handle new technology! I have used ear phones via my cell phone, speakers through my SDU, and the headset (softphone)! The biggest problem we have is OLD people that can't handle changes! Hell, I'm old, 59, just not stupid and can adjust quickly to new technology. That was a PRIMARY point made to me when I was hired 6 years ago. I'm a LAR, but I can't stand the whining I hear from lazy ass Judges about how hard it is to work from home while earning $184,000 a year. Seriously? After 20 years active duty Army, I'm getting sick and tired of the whining! Do your job, adapt, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Or RETIRE and take your old ass home! Hello, it's a Pandemic! This is not the place to put down other ALJs you purport to represent. What it sounds like is you need to step down as LAR because you clearly don't have your fellow ALJs' interests at heart. Or take a chill pill. It's a pandemic. They should be able to air their grievances without the fear of reprisal from a fellow union member of all people. Many are scared and stressed. And rightly so.
|
|
|
Post by hamster on Apr 3, 2020 22:04:37 GMT -5
My experience so far... - Softphone was a waste of effort to bring home for me. Cell phone has worked perfectly, though. - Reps have had the hardest time speaking loudly on the recording. Claimants, VEs, and I have been fine. - only about half of my scheduled weekly docket is going. Some reps/claimants request PP. All unrepped claimants that we don't hear from are auto-PP. - so far, all claimants and reps have been very flexible and letting me collapse my schedule as early and as compact as I can get it. That's been a help for me and my SCT in terms of time management. - I have a great SCT who helps make things hum. - my only snafu was an unprepared ME last week, but rep flexibility and a 50% hit rate for next week allowed me to get it rescheduled for next week. - it could be better and it could be worse. I'm doing what I can, and I am fortunate to have figured out a workaround for my technical issues. Local management hasn't been on my back, my SCT is good, my HOSA is good, and reps/claimants have done their part. It can be done, but if any of these areas break down, it'll turn into an aggravating cluster quickly. Softphone works perfectly if you know how to handle new technology! I have used ear phones via my cell phone, speakers through my SDU, and the headset (softphone)! The biggest problem we have is OLD people that can't handle changes! Hell, I'm old, 59, just not stupid and can adjust quickly to new technology. That was a PRIMARY point made to me when I was hired 6 years ago. I'm a LAR, but I can't stand the whining I hear from lazy ass Judges about how hard it is to work from home while earning $184,000 a year. Seriously? After 20 years active duty Army, I'm getting sick and tired of the whining! Do your job, adapt, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Or RETIRE and take your old ass home! Hello, it's a Pandemic! Wow! Having a bad day? Respectfully, Hamster
|
|
|
Post by nylawyer on Apr 3, 2020 22:17:53 GMT -5
Everyone is different, but almost every contractor VHR and VE I’ve worked with across many locations prefer a no lunch break schedule and some go so far as trying to avoid ALJs who schedule a lunch break by being unavailable on those hearing days. I understand why some ALJs do or don’t include a lunch break. I think a lot of it also depends on how many hearings and hearing days you schedule a week as well as hearing length and use of experts. A high no show rate can play into it as well. My dockets are usually done by 1 or 1:30 and I don’t see a benefit to adding an hour to the time the contractors need to be at the office. In large cities commute time is is a consideration. I don’t think any of us scheduled these hearings thinking they would be held this way and are just trying to hold as many as we can. I’m hoping more of mine actually record this week. Well, Wally World, never had one single VE or VHR (over 2,000 hearings over 6 years) drop out because of common decency of a lunch break! Seriously doubt you are in a major city, but whatever works for you! "I’m not sure what benefit there is in criticizing scheduling choices made months ago under very different circumstances." Dude, if you were making that decision 4 months ago, it's the same train of thought that I disagree with today! You do your thing, I will do my thing, most ALJs that cramp hearings into a 6 hour block with no breaks are just LAZY, trying to make quota with the least amount of effort! Every VHR and live VE I ever asked, with one exception, has told me they want to work straight through. And I'm pretty sure I'm in a major city.
|
|
|
Post by hopefalj on Apr 3, 2020 22:39:19 GMT -5
Some of you appear to be new to tigerlaw. On evenings like these, it's better to let it go.
|
|
|
Post by prescient on Apr 3, 2020 22:57:01 GMT -5
Some of you appear to be new to tigerlaw. On evenings like these, it's better to let it go. I miss the tiger v funky discussions
|
|
|
Post by TigerLaw on Apr 4, 2020 6:35:02 GMT -5
Some of you appear to be new to tigerlaw. On evenings like these, it's better to let it go. I miss the tiger v funky discussions Funky is doing OK,I talked to him about a week ago. We don't have disputed discussions anymore, as we found out we believe in the same things and dislike the same people!
|
|
|
Post by TigerLaw on Apr 4, 2020 6:54:59 GMT -5
Softphone works perfectly if you know how to handle new technology! I have used ear phones via my cell phone, speakers through my SDU, and the headset (softphone)! The biggest problem we have is OLD people that can't handle changes! Hell, I'm old, 59, just not stupid and can adjust quickly to new technology. That was a PRIMARY point made to me when I was hired 6 years ago. I'm a LAR, but I can't stand the whining I hear from lazy ass Judges about how hard it is to work from home while earning $184,000 a year. Seriously? After 20 years active duty Army, I'm getting sick and tired of the whining! Do your job, adapt, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Or RETIRE and take your old ass home! Hello, it's a Pandemic! This is not the place to put down other ALJs you purport to represent. What it sounds like is you need to step down as LAR because you clearly don't have your fellow ALJs' interests at heart. Or take a chill pill. It's a pandemic. They should be able to air their grievances without the fear of reprisal from a fellow union member of all people. Many are scared and stressed. And rightly so. What reprisals? I support them in actions and deeds, but I don't agree with their concerns! Sorry, but I served twenty years on active duty and while you may have concerns, you should still do everything you can to serve the America public! Working from home is not a major issue, if you can't figure it out and do your job, you should retire and let those that can, do! They vote every year for LAR, I do it because I'm a strong supporter of Unions and I like every single Judge that I serve with to include the HOCALJ and they know it! Your opinion matters nothing to me, but I can see how my comments could be taken as callous, but I like being direct and to the point!
|
|
|
Post by ba on Apr 4, 2020 9:03:11 GMT -5
Softphone works perfectly if you know how to handle new technology! I have used ear phones via my cell phone, speakers through my SDU, and the headset (softphone)! The biggest problem we have is OLD people that can't handle changes! Hell, I'm old, 59, just not stupid and can adjust quickly to new technology. That was a PRIMARY point made to me when I was hired 6 years ago. I'm a LAR, but I can't stand the whining I hear from lazy ass Judges about how hard it is to work from home while earning $184,000 a year. Seriously? After 20 years active duty Army, I'm getting sick and tired of the whining! Do your job, adapt, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. Or RETIRE and take your old ass home! Hello, it's a Pandemic! This is not the place to put down other ALJs you purport to represent. What it sounds like is you need to step down as LAR because you clearly don't have your fellow ALJs' interests at heart. Or take a chill pill. It's a pandemic. They should be able to air their grievances without the fear of reprisal from a fellow union member of all people. Many are scared and stressed. And rightly so. It looks like Tiger deleted this comment, and wisely so. It doesn’t work perfectly. You are at the mercy of your SCT’s and your internet service at a time where that service is stressed to the extreme and when the agency servers are handling a load higher than they were ever intended to. You don’t get to see the reaction of claimants and control the manner in which they are answering, knowing it is unprompted, seeing their reactions. These are important parts of the hearing. But these are extraordinary times and the fact that we can do any hearings is a positive step for the claimants and the taxpayers. It’s far from ideal, but it’s something. And not scheduling a lunch for the VE and staff??? Who does that??? These are people who are working and helping YOU. Give them time to eat!
|
|