Carlos’ Story

My name is Carlos Romero and I have worked for many years as a server in the restaurant industry. Recently, while working at a Chicago deli, I became sick with the flu. Many restaurant workers like myself do not have paid sick time and when ill, we must go without pay and also risk being terminated. I informed my manager that I would not be able to come into work because of my illness and was informed that I could be fired if I did not show for work.

I did not want to lose my job, so I had to work while sick and put the public and my co-workers at risk. Days later, a colleague of mine did get the flu from me and I worry who else was infected from working while sick.

Paid sick time is an important policy that allows low-wage workers like myself to be healthy and not contaminate the public.