Fast-food worker tells committee she lacked paid sick leave, urges support for Fair Work ordinance

During public comment at the Economic Development and Jobs Committee meeting on June 16, Teresa Ayahuasca identified herself as a fast-food worker at Carl's Jr. and urged support for a local Fair Work Ordinance for fast-food employees.

Ayahuasca said she had worked at the same Carl's Jr. for more than 20 years and described being denied paid sick time. “I've worked at the same Carl's junior for more than 20 years, and they haven't wanted to give me a sick time. And on one occasion I was actually hospitalized and they didn't pay me for sick time still,” she said, speaking in Spanish and English. She told the committee many fast-food workers do not know their rights and asked councilmembers to support the ordinance so workers can be protected.

The chair thanked her for her comment. No formal action on the ordinance was taken at this meeting.