MSU Prof. Kreuger was a labor advocate 
Michigan State University Professor Daniel Krueger - an advocate for working people and a particular friend of the building trades - died of cancer on July 8, 2003 at age 80.

Dr. Krueger, known as an expert in labor and management relations, was a frequent speaker at building trades functions. He was passionate about the importance of the role of organized labor in U.S. history, and how much of a benefit unions were for union members.

"He was a man of vision and integrity who really cared about making a difference in the lives of his students, his community and in the broader community," said Theodore Curry, director of the Michigan State University School of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Dr. Krueger retired as professor emeritus in 2001after a 44-year career at MSU. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Carol Beals, and seven children.

Jobless system upgraded on Internet
Michigan's unemployment insurance program has upgraded its system for taking unemployment claims through the Internet, opening the system to most jobless workers, especially those in construction.

"We've enhanced our Internet filed claims process by removing some of the earlier limitations, giving more jobless workers in the state the ability to file their unemployment claims online," said David Plawecki, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services. "And we've added more security features."

The most significant upgrade allows workers to file online, even if they have had more than one employer over the previous 18 months - which should prove a boon to construction workers. Previously, the system only accepted claims from jobless workers who had worked for only one employer.

Jobless Michigan workers can apply for unemployment benefits online at www.michigan.gov/bwuc.

The bureau's website accepts online claims applications Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. including holidays that fall on weekdays. To file a new claim online, unemployed workers must:

• Have lived in and worked only in Michigan during the last 18 months;
• Have filed an unemployment claim within the past 10 years; and
• Have no wages from the federal government.

Those applying for unemployment benefits online are still required to register for unemployment at the Local Michigan Works! service center, "if they are not returning to work within 120 days" the agency said. And, unemployment benefits cannot be paid unless the worker places his/her resume in the Michigan Talent Bank.