McDonald’s is facing growing pressure due to allegations of sexual harassment from more than 100 current and former employees. The BBC has alerted every McDonald’s franchise in Britain, warning that failure to protect staff from such abuse could lead to legal consequences. This comes in the wake of an insane 300 documented incidents of harassment. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recorded every single one. McDonald’s recent announcement has sparked a similar firestorm of controversy. More than 160 people have contacted the BBC to tell their stories of being harassed while working for the organization.
These disturbing claims cover a wide pattern of serious and unacceptable behavior—from sexual assault, to sexual harassment, racism and bullying. Additionally, one 19-year-old employee admitted that managers would “hit on” other employees. This enforcement behavior fostered a culture of fear, with many workers afraid to go to work, unsafe under the threat of retaliation. Similarly, a 21-year-old worker reported inappropriate touching by managers and harassment from customers, while a 20-year-old recounted receiving topless pictures from a male manager. One Casey’s 16-year-old employees reported being mercilessly bullied and verbally harassed by store managers.
In light of these allegations, McDonald’s has started making changes to improve working conditions moving forward. Alistair Macrow, the company’s corporate affairs director, confirmed that 29 people were fired over the last year. All of these dismissals came as a result of sexual harassment accusations. Furthermore, as part of this process, McDonald’s commissioned a survey, which found that 95% of employees knew ways to report harassment.
Questions linger about how well these measures work. Now a UK law firm Leigh Day is bringing action against McDonald’s on behalf of children. They embody the hopes of hundreds of current and former staff from more than 450 restaurants in the UK.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner highlighted the steps the firm must take to provide a safe workplace for its staff.
“After serious allegations were raised, we decided we needed to update the action plan with stronger actions that were more specific to the way McDonald’s operates.” – Baroness Kishwer Falkner
She certainly inspired confidence when she told us the new legal arrangement would impose a zero tolerance policy on harassment across McDonald’s. It will provide concrete avenues for lodging and addressing any possible grievances.
One individual expressed doubt regarding the company’s intentions, stating:
“I don’t actually think they have any personal desire to make the change, I don’t think they care enough.” – Former McDonald’s employee
Another former worker criticized McDonald’s approach, arguing that it often treats training as a mere formality rather than a genuine opportunity for improvement.
“It’s a check box for them to tick, like just with the training, it’s something on a to-do list and they think they’ll do it and it’ll go away, but it just won’t happen.” – Former McDonald’s employee
Ian Hodson, national president of the Bakers Union, joined in the calls for deep and systemic reform within the company. He said that there needs to be an impetus for “true reform” following such disturbing allegations.
action at McDonald’s, but some advocates weren’t surprised by it. Kiran Daurka pointed out,
“I think we can assume that the equality watchdog wouldn’t be taking this action if things were ok at McDonald’s.” – Kiran Daurka
The fast-food chain has been facing these shocking allegations. As it mounts, workers, unions, and their legal advocates are building up the pressure to OSHA to make our workplaces safer. McDonald’s directly employs more than 148,000 people in the UK. We think it is their duty to ensure that they are providing a workplace in which every employee feels safe and respected.