McDonald’s is facing new harassment lawsuits for failing to protect its employees. This follows revelations about sexual misconduct in its franchises.
The fast food chain has just signed an agreement that is legally binding with the Equality and Human Rights Commission in which they pledged to protect their employees from sexual harassment and improve its complaint procedures.
A BBC report in July 2023 revealed alarming cases of sexual misconduct and racism at McDonald’s franchises. The findings came just months after McDonald’s made long-overdue promises to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards uncivil behaviour, improve complaints policies and implement comprehensive anti-harassment programs.
McDonald’s latest harassment claims include sexual favors as part of the pressure to perform.
The investigation included testimonies of former and current workers, which revealed over 100 deeply disturbing incidents. Many of these were perpetrated, in part, by management personnel. Multiple allegations that junior employees were pressured to perform sexual favors are of particular concern. The investigation also revealed that many concerns were not addressed, even though video and witness testimony was available. Unfortunately, a number of employees felt that the anti-harassment program was not taken serious, which left them feeling demotivated.
Alistair Macrow, the CEO of McDonald’s, acknowledged in response to these findings that the company has’failed’ its commitments. He promised to investigate “any allegations that are brought”forward and noted that “we will take the most severe legal measures for all proven violations of our code of ethics.”. McDonald’s as well as the EHRC now have confidential reporting channels that allow staff to anonymously raise concerns.
The problem persists
The situation is not improving despite the fact that the company has taken numerous steps to improve the workplace culture.
Early in January 2025 the BBC published over 160 new complaints of abuse at the company. Some of these were similar to earlier complaints and indicated that there had been little progress. According to reports, the EHRC received more than 300 complaints of misconduct. Many of these involved employees younger than 18 years old. One employee aged 17 recalled that she was’requested sex for extra shifts in exchange for extra pay’. Others shared their experiences of feeling’afraid’ and’traumatised.
The Business and Trade Select Committee asked Macrow, earlier this month, about the company’s abhorrent inability to combat its toxic culture. Liam Byrne asked the Chair of the Committee, Liam Byrne if the fast-food company had’ turned into a predators paradise’ . Noting that ” such abuse thrives when there is a power imbalance in the workplace”
McDonald’s toxic culture: a must-do.
How should McDonald’s respond to new claims of harassment? While it has improved reporting mechanisms, the workplace culture that allows for such unacceptable behavior to continue has not been addressed.
There is much more to be done in order to eradicate the toxic culture and protect employees from harm. Leaders must remember their responsibilities, not just to the EHRC but also to staff. We can expect a rise in the number of legal actions from McDonalds employees who have been subjected to misconduct.
Takeaways for HR professionals
What are the main takeaways from the above for HR professionals?
In order to identify and deal with unacceptable behaviour quickly, it’s essential that policies are robust.
To encourage employees to voice their concerns, it’s important to have clear reporting procedures and to encourage open communication.
Employers must also provide regular training to their staff to explain what unacceptable behavior is and what employees should do in the event that they or a co-worker have been exposed to it.
