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Apparently, it pays better to be unemployed.
Workers at two spas in Washington state were angry when they realized they could make more money on unemployment than through their paychecks.
Shocked spa owner Jamie Black-Lewis thought her staff would be thrilled when she told them she’d received more than $200,000 through the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to pay them, only to find out her workers preferred to go on unemployment because they got more money, CNBC reported.
Unemployment benefits were amped up by the $2 trillion CARES Act, which, in part, beefs up unemployment checks and provides assistance for a longer period of time.

Black-Lewis received a $177,000 and $43,800 loan for her two spas — Oasis Medspa & Salon, in Woodinville, and Amai Day Spa, in Bothell — that was to go to payroll and other business expenses.

She had to stop paying herself and 34 other employees in mid-March when nonessential businesses in the state closed due to COVID-19.

When she held a video conference to announce the good news about the loans she got an unexpected reaction.
“It was a firestorm of hatred about the situation,” Black-Lewis said.
The animosity stems from an unintended consequence of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package enacted last month — lower-wage workers have the possibility to come out ahead under unemployment. In Washington state, the breakeven is around $30 an hour, or approximately $62,000.

Pay at the spas ranges from minimum wage ($13.50 and hour) and up to $60 an hour. Many work from 24 to 32 hours a week.