Two McDonald's employees in Florida have filed a $500m (£400m) class action lawsuit against the fast food giant, accusing it of fostering 'systemic sexual harassment'. The suit, backed by the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, represents some 5,000 women from over 100 McDonald's outlets across the US.
The plaintiffs, Jamelia Fairley and Ashley Reddick, allege that management ignored extensive illegal harassment at a McDonald's near Orlando, Florida. The lawsuit claims women were subjected to 'pervasive sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, including groping, sexual assault and sexually-charged comments'.
Ms Fairley, 24, says a colleague made sexually explicit comments and rubbed his genitals on her. She reported the behaviour but claims her hours were cut as a result. Ms Reddick, 28, alleges a male co-worker rubbed his groin against her and showed her a picture of his genitals. She says she was fired after reporting the incidents.
McDonald's said it is 'committed to ensuring that our employees are able to work in an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment'. The company updated its harassment policy and training in January 2019 and offers a free hotline for employment concerns.
This is the latest in a series of sexual harassment allegations against McDonald's, including another class action lawsuit in Michigan launched in November 2019. The Time's Up Legal Defense Fund, founded in 2018, has raised $24m and funded 174 cases so far.
