Here's an article from the Washington Post suggesting that employers are becoming more aggressive in opposing former employees' claims for unemployment benefits.  One reason: saving money in a tough economy.  Successful unemployment claims increase an employer's future premiums, so it makes financial sense for businesses to oppose claims where they think the employee is not deserving of the benefit.

As the article points out, a prime area for conflict is whether the employee was fired for misconduct.  If so, no benefits.  And the definition of misconduct may be changing in favor of employers.  Good reason for employees to avoid any charge that misconduct justifies their termination.