Harassment scandal at McDonald’s

McDonald’s UK & Ireland chief executive Alistair Macrow has apologized on behalf of the company after several women who worked at the fast food chain, past and present, alleged they had been subjected to sexual assault, racism or harassment.

According to BBC news released today, in a study conducted by the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union (BFAWU) in 2019, it was reported that 1,000 women were subjected to sexual and verbal abuse while working at McDonald’s restaurants.

Exploring the problem, the BBC approached McDonald’s employees over a period of five months to ask about their experiences. Of the more than 100 complaints from employees who spoke to the BBC, 31 were about sexual assault and 78 about sexual harassment. In addition, 18 complaints of racism and 6 of them homophobia.

COVERED…

According to the investigation, the statements included that some workers and managers did not consider the complaints and that the guilty employees were transferred to McDonald’s branches in different regions instead of being fired.

In the study, which included examples of sexual assault, it was claimed that a worker in his 30s insulted a 17-year-old colleague and asked him to show his genitals.

Mr Macrow, McDonald’s UK & Ireland chief executive, acknowledged that the company fell short in some cases, stating that all employees deserve to work in a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace and deeply apologized for such examples.