Lawyers representing hundreds of McDonald’s workers over allegations of widespread discrimination and harassment say union complaint is justified

The complaint, brought by a group of five trade unions alongside the Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC), alleges breaches of international labour standards and cites persistent, deeply rooted gender-based discrimination and incidents of harassment affecting workers, many of whom are teenagers. 

Following an initial assessment, the UK National Contact Point (NCP) - an independent unit within the Department for Business and Trade – has decided to offer mediation between the complainants and McDonald’s. 

Law firm Leigh Day is representing more than 700 junior current and former crew members across over 400 restaurants in employment tribunal claims against McDonald’s, arising from allegations of harassment, discrimination and unsafe working environments. 

Kiran Daurka, employment partner at Leigh Day, said: 

“The complaint from the trade union organisations and CJC mirrors concerns raised by our clients in the Employment Tribunal. Our clients are waiting for their claims to be heard and for decisions to be taken by the Tribunal which may compensate them for the alleged distress that they suffered while employed at McDonald’s. Some of our clients, who were as young as 16 and 17 at the time of their employment, have raised allegations of serious sexual harassment and inadequate provisions to safeguard against predatory behaviour. 

“To date, McDonald’s has continued to deny any shortcomings in its policies and practises and has failed to acknowledge any responsibility in respect of the claims brought against its franchises.  

“We hope any government mediation also addresses pressing concerns over the franchise model which seeks to absolve the brand from employment law breaches committed by its franchisees. Our clients argue that franchisees are joint employers with McDonald’s and both are liable for breaches of equality law.”