A union-backed group pushing for higher wages at quick-service restaurants has filed federal complaints over alleged sexual harassment at McDonald’s Corp. restaurants around the country.
Fight for $15, a group backed by the Service Employees International Union, has filed 15 complaints against McDonald’s and franchisees with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of workers.
The complaints, the group said, allege that general managers and corporate staff did not address workers’ complaints about sexual harassments, and in some instances retaliated against the victims.
“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,” said Terri Hickey, spokesperson for McDonald’s.
“We take any concerns seriously and are reviewing the allegations,”
The complaints include claims of verbal and physical harassment of women by their supervisors.
One employee alleged she reported the inappropriate behavior to her store manager and a McDonald’s corporate official, but nothing was done.
“As the country’s second largest employer, McDonald’s has a responsibility to set standards in both the fast-food industry and the economy overall,” Kendall Fells, organizing director for Fight for $15, said in a statement.
The complaints come amid a broad effort on the part of union-backed groups to push for higher pay and unionization at McDonald’s and other quick-service restaurants.
The Fight for $15 has been leading protests at McDonald’s nationwide in recent years as part of this effort, and is planning more protests this week. And this isn’t the first time the organization has targeted the goings-on at the chain’s locations.
Last year, the group filed complaints against McDonald’s and its operators over working conditions.
Contact Jonathan Maze at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter at @jonathanmaze
