Restaurant Opportunities Center

RWBOR DC Photo

Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) is a non-profit organization in the United States that advocates for improved wages and working conditions for restaurant workers. Founded in 2001, ROC has grown into a national organization with chapters in multiple cities.

History

ROC was established in New York City following the September 11 attacks, which led to the closure of the Windows on the World restaurant located in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The organization was initially formed to support the displaced workers from the restaurant. Over time, ROC expanded its mission to address broader issues affecting restaurant workers across the country.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of ROC is to improve wages and working conditions for the nation's restaurant workforce. The organization focuses on several key areas:

• **Advocacy**: ROC advocates for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to improve labor standards in the restaurant industry.
• **Research**: The organization conducts research on the conditions faced by restaurant workers, including wage disparities, health and safety issues, and discrimination.
• **Training and Support**: ROC provides training programs to help restaurant workers develop skills and advance their careers. They also offer support services such as legal assistance and health care access.

Programs and Initiatives

ROC operates several programs and initiatives aimed at achieving its mission:

• **High Road Restaurants**: This program encourages restaurants to adopt fair labor practices, including paying living wages and providing benefits.
• **One Fair Wage**: An initiative to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers, advocating for a single fair wage for all workers.
• **Colors Restaurants**: ROC has established worker-owned cooperative restaurants that serve as training centers and models for fair labor practices.

Impact and Achievements

ROC has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges faced by restaurant workers. The organization has successfully campaigned for policy changes in various states, leading to improved wages and working conditions for thousands of workers. ROC's research reports have also highlighted issues such as wage theft, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination in the industry.

Criticism and Controversies

While ROC has been praised for its advocacy work, it has also faced criticism from some industry groups and employers who argue that its policies could lead to increased costs and job losses. ROC has responded by emphasizing the long-term benefits of fair labor practices for both workers and employers.

Related Pages

• Labor rights
• Minimum wage
• Tipped wage
• Workers' rights
• Non-profit organization

See Also

• Labor union
• Occupational safety and health
• Living wage
• Fair labor standards