Short 20 Hours, No Unemployment

To The Editor:
For two years I have worked for a boardwalk amusement open to close and each year only had 12 weeks of employment because unemployment does not count weekends with less than 20 hours. Plus the fact that they do not have to pay time and a half for overtime. This makes it hard to make the money required to qualify.
In November, I was hired by a department store as a cashier in Rio Grande. During our training program we were told that in 90 days we would receive our employee discount card and in 180 days we would know if we were full time.
A few weeks back another cashier that was hired at the same time came and told me that we were all being laid off New Years. I went to Human Resources and asked the training manager. I was told she did not hear anything like that.
A week before Christmas I was called to the office and given a Christmas card and candy cane, and was told that New Year’s would be my last day, but because of my good work could reapply in March.
I then went to unemployment and was told that I had 19 weeks and needed at least 20 hours more.
I went back to my supervisor and explained and asked if I could be on call for those that called in sick. I was told she could not do this because of her budget. I had other cashiers wanting to offer one of their shifts to help me out.
I was not looking for a handout, but a chance to earn the 20 hours needed to qualify for unemployment. With many employees surely this could be done.
Then I went back to Human Resources at the store to see if they could help and was told there was nothing they could do.
That’s when I went to the store manager and explained everything. His answer was that each department had to work within their budget and there was nothing he could do.
When I think back and remember wishing all the customers a Merry Christmas and at present a very happy New Year with my last day on New Year’s.
I will miss all the fine employees I have worked with, and the wonderful customers that came in every day.
Now, as of New Year’s Eve, I will be out of work, I will have no unemployment, no money, and no money to pay for a hearing aid I ordered.