McDonald’s has been accused of fostering a culture of “drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism” by a group of whistleblowers who have worked at the fast food chain.
In seven testimonies published by MPs, the whistleblowers detailed claims of mismanagement, bullying and sexual harassment against people as young as 16.
It came as Alistair Macrow, the chief executive of McDonald’s in the UK & Ireland, faces questions from MPs on the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday morning.
The fast food chain has been embroiled in a scandal after a BBC investigation reported a swathe of allegations of abuse, bullying and harassment against its staff earlier this year.
In the testimonies published on Tuesday, one victim described how she felt “violated” after claiming she suffered sexual misconduct. She added she was “appalled” by the lack of seriousness with which McDonald’s appeared to be taking such complaints.
Another added: “Drugs, homophobia, racism and sexism from management and staff members who have worked there for years is so normal that nobody actually sees that as an issue anymore.”
A third whistleblower, who was 16 when they were hired by McDonald’s, said a considerably older manager made them “extremely uncomfortable with comments, which were passed off as banter”.
The victim said the manager made constant reference to gay sex positions, “which made me feel offended, embarrassed, and degraded”.
A third whistleblower, who was working as a trainee manager, described being...
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