Re: the Aug. 8 article "Premature birth tests county's new policy."
This situation is unbelievable. It seems to show that many U.S. employers, or at least Pima County, are cold and heartless, following policy to the letter instead of having a heart for employees' special needs. Katherine Daubert had a baby who needs her mother's care, and the county denies that to her — 7-0 in the Health Insurance and Benefit and Wellness Advisory Committee, because she didn't meet the exact legal definition of eligibility for parental leave. What kind of regard for employees is this? I understand that our county is underfunded; is that why the committee requires a hurting mother to abandon her child who's in a desperate circumstance?
Thanks to the Star for reporting this incredible story. Pima County, please respect your employees' needs instead of coldly reading the law.
Jerry Peek
Midtown
