Resturant Workers Need Paid Sick Days

February 9th, 2010- The The Restaurant Opportunity Center of Maine held a panel discussion on the findings of their new report: Behind the Kitchen Door: Low Road Jobs, High Road Opportunities in Maine’s Growing Restaurant Industry.  Sarah was a panelist along with Professor David Wagner of USM, Blanca Santiago of El Centro Latino Maine, Caitlin McNally- a former employee for the front room, and restaurant worker Warren Hyman. The Panelists spoke on the state of the restaurant industry in Maine, and its implications on the state’s economic development, public health and working conditions. All panelists agreed: the restaurant industry should take the high road and provide livable wages, paid sick days and health insurance to their employees: it pays off in the long run, and is just the right thing to do. With 82.9% workers without paid sick days, it is clear we need real reform.

Watch the channel 6 coverage here (including a great quote from Sarah)