To Whom it may concern:

I want to congratulate the state of Washington for being "The Right to Fire State". I find it most amusing that this law can be used against my husband with a disability. My husband Bill Ray Davis had a stroke a few years ago. Becasue of the affects of the stroke he has to concentrate on everything he does which slows his activities at work and at home.

He was working for SAFECO insurance company in Liberty Lake, Washington as a customer service representative. He was fired twice from this company. YES, I said twice. This was because of the company's "average handle time". He was not meeting the company's required standard for this portion of his job. In fact, Bill was over by a one plus minutes.(I guess we now have time limits on the phone to respond to customers who call with problems or a need for assistance. Do we just tell our customer, "I am sorry but the company only allows me to speak for six (6) minutes. I must hang up on you and take the next call"?)

SAFECO terminated my husband with the understanding that his personal physician would write a letter to SAFECO explaining the residual affects of his stoke. So the doctor did write a letter. Then Bill was called back to work with SAFECO. However, SAFECO told my husband they were setting up a telephone conference with his doctor. SAFECO did not bother to ask Bill nor ask for anything in writing to give permission for the conference to take place. SAFECO made the arrangements and the conference took place. Bill's doctor told SAFECO about his stroke once more, the residual affects and how the company could make modifications to accommodate his disability. (Bill informed his Manager about his stroke on several occasions.) After all he has been through, his last day with SAFECO was on April 30, 2003. He now collects unemployment.

We have filed an investigation with the State Human Rights Commision office and the findings stated that SAFECO was not in the wrong regarding the law to fire anyone. At this time, we have filed with the EEOC and it is still pending at this time.

With all the above stated this has cause Bill to have some health problems. In addition, being age 57, it is very difficult to find another job. I have spent many hours looking and must have sent out over 200 resumes' and applicatins.

I just wanted you to understand what the real affects are of the current law. It has hurt me, Bill and my family tremendously. We now only have one income and this only pays for the bills (most of the time our bills are being paid late instead of being on time.) I intend to state my opinion publicly against SAFECO and the law on what it can do to good people with excellent work history.

Your advise would be appreciated regarding the above issues.

Sincerely,
Myriame Davis
705 W. Bellwood #23
Spokane, WA 99218