The following statement is from Saru Jayaraman, co-director and co-founder of Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United, on Chipotle’s recent announcement regarding paid sick days and vacation for all employees:
“The significance of Chipotle offering paid sick days and paid vacation to all their employees, including entry-level positions, cannot be understated. The vast majority of workers in the restaurant industry have access to neither of those basic benefits, posing a particular problem for our collective public health, as research shows that 60 percent of restaurant workers have been forced to work while sick.
“We commend Chipotle for its commitment and leadership in continuing to move the restaurant industry forward. ROC sends it’s thanks to Co-CEOs Monty Moran and Steve Ellis, and to their entire team, for taking seriously the issues most important to restaurant workers.”