McDonald’s under fire: 700 employees sue over harassment

Discrimination, homophobia, racism, ableism: McDonald's workers say they are still victims of sexual abuse and harassment a year after BBC investigation

“Fondled and harassed almost regularly“. That was the shocking statement made by some McDonald’s employees in a BBC investigation last year.

Now, more than a year since that exposé first aired, the BBC has revealed that young employees at McDonald’s are still facing sexual abuse and harassment, despite the company’s CEO promising tighter controls.

The 700 current and former employees from McDonald’s restaurants across the United Kingdom have filed a lawsuit against the fast-food giant over allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct. The BBC said at least 300 people have complained to the EHRC since the original investigation in 2023, which has prompted the Commission to intervene once more.

What happened

In February 2023, the BBC first investigated allegations of a “toxic culture of sexual assault, harassment, racism, and bullying” within McDonald’s UK. By July 2023, preliminary findings were made public-an outrage that spread far and wide.

More than a year later, the British law firm Leigh Day announced that more than 700 workers—many of whom were 19 years old or younger at the time of employment—are suing, for what the firm called “widespread harassment“.

According to Leigh Day, workers recounted various discriminatory actions, homophobia, racism, ableism and harassment to McDonald’s claims team.

Additionally, over 450 McDonald’s restaurants across the UK have been implicated in the allegations.

McDonald’s CEO under scrutiny

Last week, McDonald’s UK CEO Alistair Macrow faced questions from the UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee regarding the allegations. Speaking to the committee, Macrow stated:

“One case is too many as far as I’m concerned.”

The reported incidents were described as “repugnant, unacceptable and something that has no place at McDonald’s.” He also verified that 29 employees had been fired from McDonald’s restaurants in the last year because of sexual harassment allegations.

Regardless, the sheer volume of complaints really questions how adequate the reforms of the company have been and its concern for workplace safety.

Waiting for justice

The legal proceedings and investigations continue, as McDonald’s faces mounting pressure to address its internal culture and protect its workforce. For now, the spotlight remains on the company as it navigates these grave allegations.