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Workers sue McDonald’s over unchecked sexual harassment

On Behalf of | Nov 17, 2019 | Sexual Harassment At Work

Workers in Florida and elsewhere who are subjected to on-the-job sexual harassment are entitled to take legal action against their employers. For example, on Nov. 8, a group of Michigan workers filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against McDonald’s Corp. after the company allegedly failed to protect them from harassment.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Michigan state court, claims that the fast-food chain fosters a “toxic work culture” from top to bottom. As proof of this, the suit mentioned the ousting of McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook last week for having an improper consensual sexual relationship with a subordinate in the company. It also claims that the company has inadequate sexual harassment policies, fails to train its managers on how to prevent harassment and retaliates against employees who lodge harassment complaints.

According to media reports, approximately 95% of all U.S. McDonald’s restaurants are franchised. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim that the company doesn’t do enough to properly train managers and employees at these restaurants. For example, one of the plaintiffs in the suit alleges that she was repeatedly subjected to sexual comments and inappropriate physical contact by a manager while working at a franchised location in Michigan. She claims she couldn’t quit because she needed the money. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all female employees who have worked at the Mason restaurant for the last three years. The complaint is seeking training improvements, added employee protections and over $5 million in damages.

Employees dealing with workplace sexual harassment might need South Florida sexual harassment legal assistance. A lawyer may evaluate a victim’s case and help file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If the complaint is successful, the employer might be forced to pay back pay, lost benefits and other related damages.