Towing of car was unfair

How would you like to go to work, park your car, put in eight hours and get ready to go home, only to find that your car had been towed away at the employer's request? Well, that's exactly what happened to me Thursday.

I work at Nathan Littauer Hospital. Yes, they have a parking policy in effect for their employees, although this policy is randomly enforced at best. Daily, you will find a multitude of employees who have parked "illegally." Their policy states employees will be warned two times and towed on the third offense. I was never spoken to regarding a parking violation. Not once did a member of the security department come to me and ask me to move my vehicle. My only contact was via a supposed notice on my car. I spent eight hours caring for sick patients (perhaps you or a family member), and at the end of the day, I received a note telling me my car had been towed.

I had to call a family member, who lives in Mayfield, for help. They had to drop what they were doing, drive 10 miles to get to the hospital (at today's gas prices) and then take me to Johnstown (another 7.5 miles). I was charged $75.60 to retrieve my vehicle. Who's next? Will it be one of the many employees making slightly more than minimum wage, with hungry little mouths at home to feed, living from paycheck to paycheck? This could spell financial disaster for them. I should consider myself lucky that they waited until payday so I would have money to pay for this unexpected financial burden.

I would like to remind everyone that the parking lot at Nathan Littauer is for the public. Perhaps you should check with the security staff upon entering the hospital to ensure that your car will be there when you get ready to leave. This facility prides itself on its care and concern for the community, but it obviously doesn't have that same concern for their employees. I revel in the knowledge that my 29 years of loyal service hasn't gone unrecognized or unrewarded. Oh yes, Nathan Littauer is a great place to work with many hidden and unexpected fringe benefits.

JOYCE MORGAN, RN

Mayfield