McDonald’s workers protested this week after a rash of sexual harassment complaints levied against the fast food giant.
In a single month, the chain saw 15 separate sexual harassment complaints filed against it. Workers from eight states—Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, California, Florida and New York—claimed to be sexually harassed in the workplace and many said they experienced retaliation after issuing those reports.
Michigan woman CyCei Monae claims that her shift supervisor rubbed his genitals on her. She issued a statement:
McDonald’s monitors everything we do – from how fast the drive-thru is moving, to how we fold our customers’ bags. Yet when I filed a complaint against my shift manager for regularly sexually harassing me – which included him showing me a photo of his genitals – McDonald’s had no response.
I really needed that job and the money, and I considered remaining silent. But I believed McDonald’s had my back and would be horrified by the way I was treated. I was wrong.
Kristi Maisenbach worked at a California McDonald’s and shared a similar experience. When she complained to the store’s manager, she says her hours were cut and her harasser became hostile toward her.
“It was taking a toll on me mentally,” she said. “I was constantly afraid and anxious at work.” Maisnebach eventually quit her job.
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Of the complaints, 14 took place at franchisee-owned locations. Only one incident took place at a corporate-owned McDonald’s location. This means that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the organization with which the complaints were filed, must decide whether to hold McDonald’s corporate jointly responsible.
McDonald’s rep Terri Hickey issued a statement about the allegations and the protest:
At McDonald’s, we and our independent owner-operators share a deep commitment to the respectful treatment of everyone. There is no place for harassment and discrimination of any kind in McDonald’s restaurants or in any workplace. We take any concerns seriously and are reviewing the allegations.
Twitter was abuzz with photos and videos from the protests:
It's outrageous that 40% of women in the fast food industry report being sexually harassed! #FightFor15 @fightfor15 http://pic.twitter.com/fnemI7IZJe
— SEIU Local 1 (@SEIULocal1) October 6, 2016
What do we want? Respect! When do we want it? NOW! @McDonaldsCorp: Austin demands an End Sexual Harassment Today! #FightFor15 http://pic.twitter.com/VZDJd9KW6o
— Fight for 15 TEXAS (@fightfor15texas) October 6, 2016
40% of women in #fastfood industry have experienced sexual harassment on the job. It needs to end. #FightFor15 http://pic.twitter.com/HD7XhqhSBy
— Fight For 15 PA (@FightFor15PA) October 6, 2016
We're at the Rock & Roll McDonald's to stand up against sexual harassment at @McDonalds & the fast food industry! #FightFor15 http://pic.twitter.com/LD7tPjOcst
— SEIU Local 1 (@SEIULocal1) October 6, 2016
Stop sexual harassment at fast food workplaces like @McDonalds now! #FightFor15 http://pic.twitter.com/VKVDh9KmGu
— Maria Wickstrom (@Mariawick) October 6, 2016
BREAKING: Widespread sexual harassment at McDonald’s has led to the filing of 15 federal complaints. We won't be silent! #FightFor15 http://pic.twitter.com/A1cQFw02VG
— Fight For 15 Mass (@fightfor15mass) October 6, 2016
Do you think McDonald’s corporate should be liable, PR Daily readers?
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