More should work from home in bad weather

With all the bad weather making commuting terribly uncomfortable and at times dangerous, it is time we take a closer look at telecommuting.

This technology can enable so many office workers and students the benefit to stay home to do their work and studies, while saving institutions money. Traffic and travel time will be reduced, which is good for all.

When I watch high school kids waiting for a bus at 6:30 a.m. in the cold and dark, my heart always breaks. This is totally unnecessary as these same kids can do their studies through the Internet. Never mind how much money we could save on school taxes as well. Telecommuting is very much a win-win for all.

Marguerite Pastirchak

Port Jefferson Station
 

I am a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. The post office claims to be in the red, necessitating fewer jobs and hours. If this is true, why is it on a day when Suffolk County declares a snow emergency that post office management makes it mandatory for all personal (carriers and clerks), to show up for work?

When clerks in my office risked their lives to come in, at the end of the day, total sales receipts were $90. This might cover the lights for the building for a day, but does not come close to covering one clerk's salary.

As for the carriers, when they're required to put up what meager mail has arrived and then told not to go out to deliver that day, because the roads are too dangerous, they still get paid.

I would think the cost of operating on a day that nobody in their right mind would go out on the road would be considered when a business claims to be in such financial straits.

Debra MacConnell

Centereach