I, like many across the country, rely entirely on public transportation or the generosity of others to get to and from my job. Recently, I found myself in a difficult situation wherein I was misled about my working schedule. I was informed that my shift would end at 10:30 PM. Instead, I left work at 12:30 AM, a time when no public transport was available. I reported my earnings to unemployment insurance, and my benefits were denied. They claimed that my inability to commute was not a viable excuse for not working. This unreasonable judgment has led me to appeal the decision.

Our country's unemployment policies should acknowledge the struggles of those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. It is a well-established fact that many working adults in the United States do not own a car - a 2019 report from the Pew Research Center attests to this, revealing that a considerable 8.7% of American households are carless.

No worker should be penalized for their inability to travel to or from their place of work outside of standard transit hours. By denying unemployment benefits to individuals in these circumstances, we reinforce a system that discriministically benefits those with the privilege of owning a vehicle.

Therefore, we urgently call for an amendment to the unemployment benefit rules. We must ensure that lack of transportation is recognised as a legitimate obstacle to maintaining employment. Please, sign our petition and stand with us. With enough support, we can make a much-needed change.