If anything happens then we just get fired

Dear President Obama,

I got laid off from a job in 2007, so I was desperate for work and was putting in applications everywhere. I got a job at Fuddrucker’s and felt like I had to take it, so I did. I didn’t want to stay there but I don’t like changing jobs so I’ve just stayed.

I’ve worked at Fuddrucker’s now for 5 years as a cook. I’ve never received paid sick leave or benefits. I don’t feel respected there, like they don’t care about my needs. The medical insurance is about $200 a month – my checks might be $1000 every two weeks, so I just can’t afford that.

Last year I had damaged my hand and called out from work. My manager told me I needed a doctor’s note when I came back, but we don’t get paid for it. I originally went to work with my hand injured because I knew I wouldn’t get paid, but they sent me home. I couldn’t take the time off, so I had to get in and get paid, but I was all bandaged up so they wouldn’t let me work.

I had to take off just last week, too, because my son had to go to the doctor’s, and I lost a whole day’s pay. This makes me upset. Sometimes this makes it hard to pay my bills. I have three kids and I’m a single parent. My kids are 13, 10 and 5, so I try not to take off of work at all.

When my kids are sick, I just have to take off. One time my son had a fever for a week and I had to take off for four days. I didn’t get paid for any of that time.

We don’t get paid sick days and we don’t have a union. If anything happens then we just get fired.

If I had paid sick daysm then I would be able to be there for my kids, and take care of myself. I worry now whenever we get sick because I know it costs me money. Not having to worry would be so great.

Thank you for considering paid sick leave for moms like me. Please encourage Maryland’s new Governor, Larry Hogan, to pass paid sick days legislation in our state.

Sincerely,

Tykesha
Annapolis, MD