Sharon’s story: Choosing between work and family

From the Coalition for a Healthy Tacoma

As the eldest of two children and a registered nurse, Sharon took on many added responsibilities when her father began his battle with cancer in 2007. She never expected her employer of 19 years, a Tacoma-area hospital, to be anything less than supportive – until she started taking time off.

Sharon, a nurse with 39 years of experience, wanted to be there for her father. But his condition was difficult and unpredictable. He was in immense pain, had fainting spells, and sometimes required unscheduled emergency medical treatment. “Sometimes he needed to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. We had to be there to talk to the doctors to know what was going on. That was our dad.”Continue reading “Sharon’s story: Choosing between work and family”

Megan’s story: Paid sick days and public health

From the Coalition for Healthy Tacoma

Megan, a server at a Tacoma restaurant, called in sick with the flu one evening in 2007. Her supervisor told her the restaurant was busy that night, and she needed to come in anyway. “It was pretty much ‘you don’t call in sick unless you’re on your deathbed,’” said Megan.

Fearing she would lose her job, Megan went to work. “I was sneezing and coughing, some of the tables didn’t want me to serve them.” Then one of Megan’s customers called the health department, which contacted the restaurant about the incident.

Not long after, Megan’s supervisor called her to his office and accused her of calling the health department herself, which Megan denied: “I was on the floor the entire time. I didn’t call public health.” I told him, “You are questioning my integrity.”Continue reading “Megan’s story: Paid sick days and public health”

Maria’s story: A flexible schedule and supportive supervisor help — but can’t replace lost wages

From the Coalition for a Healthy Tacoma

Maria, 39, is a housekeeper at a Tacoma hotel. She and her husband both work full time, and their two sons, aged 13 and 18, are in school. Her position is unionized, so she receives three days of paid sick leave and three paid holidays per year.

Maria says her manager is flexible and supportive when she or her family members are sick, usually allowing her unpaid time off when she needs it. But because she only earns minimum wage, taking unpaid time off is a real hardship for her family.

Continue reading “Maria’s story: A flexible schedule and supportive supervisor help — but can’t replace lost wages”