Standing up for McDonald's workers

In collaboration with Thompsons Solicitors, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) is investigating a potential group legal action against McDonald's and its franchise holders for serious breaches of the Equality Act.

This follows allegations reported by the BBC and other media outlets of a toxic culture of sexual harassment, racism, and bullying within McDonald's restaurants.

The BFAWU is committed to ensuring that every worker's voice is heard. This collaboration aims to provide a robust and confidential platform for all BFAWU members and non-members to seek the justice they deserve through potential collective legal action.

Latest news

The head of McDonald's in the United Kingdom has acknowledged that the company is dealing with a steady stream of sexual harassment claims, averaging one to two per week. This comes to light following a probe by the BBC.

During a discussion with members of parliament, Alistair Macrow revealed that the fast-food giant has logged over 400 worker complaints since July, coinciding with the time the BBC reported numerous similar allegations.

Macrow noted that 18 employees have been terminated because of these claims, though he is uncertain about the number of cases passed on to law enforcement.

The BBC's investigation brought to light incidents where employees, some as young as 17, faced inappropriate touching and harassment.

A prevalent issue, according to staff, is a harmful workplace environment within McDonald's, marked by ignored allegations of sexual misconduct, racism, and bullying.

Addressing the Business and Trade Select Committee, Macrow mentioned that McDonald's UK has received 407 employee complaints on various issues since July.

In response to the initial BBC report earlier in the year, Macrow established a unit dedicated to addressing these complaints.

Out of the 157 complaints examined so far, Macrow stated that 17 involved sexual harassment leading to disciplinary measures, while nine were related to bullying and one to racial harassment.