K. Jolene Hutchinson v. J. R. Simplot

This is an appeal from an order of the Industrial Commission upholding the Department of Employment's denial of unemployment compensation benefits to the claimant appellant K. Jolene Hutchinson. Hutchinson had applied for benefits after being discharged by her employer J. R. Simplot Co. The Department of Employment had denied her benefits on the ground that she had been discharged for misconduct for violating company rules connected with her employment. See I.C. § 72-1366(e). While violation of an employer's rules is not, per se, misconduct which will render an employee ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits, Wroble v. Bonners Ferry Ranger Station, 97 Idaho 900, 556 P.2d 859 (1976); Avery v. B & B Rental Toilets, 97 Idaho 611, 549 P.2d 270 (1976), deliberate violation of reasonable company rules ordinarily is misconduct which renders the claimant ineligible, cf. Wroble v. Bonners Ferry Ranger Station, supra; Avery v. B & B Rental Toilets, supra.