A coalition of major trade unions has successfully pushed a formal complaint against McDonald's to the next stage with a UK government watchdog, alleging systemic failures to protect young workers from sexual harassment in its British restaurants.
Unions Allege Persistent Harassment of Teenage Staff
Five trade unions, including the Bakers Union (BFAWU) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), first lodged the complaint with the UK's National Contact Point (NCP) in February 2024. They accuse the fast-food giant of violating international labour standards by not tackling widespread gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment, which they say disproportionately affects junior workers, most of whom are teenagers.
The unions contend that issues of bullying, racism, homophobia, sexual harassment, and assault have created a 'toxic' work environment, with problems reportedly ongoing since at least 2019. They cited a previous BBC investigation which brought these allegations to light.
Watchdog Steps In and Offers Mediation
The NCP, an independent unit within the Department for Business and Trade that handles complaints under OECD guidelines for multinationals, has now ruled the grievance warrants further consideration. It will offer mediation to all parties involved.
This decision is not a finding against McDonald's, but initiates a voluntary mediation process. The NCP stated that if either side refuses mediation, it will re-examine the initial complaint. The watchdog also noted that McDonald's raised concerns about its corporate structure, arguing it could not be held responsible for incidents in its franchised outlets, which constitute most of its 1,450 UK branches. However, the NCP said the issues raised apply to both company-owned and franchised stores.
McDonald's Response and Separate Legal Action
Following earlier press coverage of the allegations—many involving staff who were under 18—McDonald's and its UK CEO, Alistair Macrow, issued an apology and established a dedicated unit to investigate complaints. In November 2023, the corporation announced it was introducing new sexual harassment training for managers.
Separately from the NCP complaint, more than 700 current and former employees are currently suing the company over similar allegations. The unions bringing the NCP case are supported by the Corporate Justice Coalition, a network of 67 organisations. The complaint alleges breaches of international guidelines on human rights and employment relations.
