Discrimination at McDonald's: a collective calls on the Defender of Rights

The Defender of Rights was arrested by the McDroits collective, which accuses the McDonald's fast food brand of having implemented a policy of “

systemic

”

sexist discrimination

in France, according to a statement made public Monday.

“

We, employees and former employees of McDonald's, wish to alert you to the systemic discrimination practiced within our company.

We believe that this is not isolated behavior, but the result of a harmful corporate culture

, ”writes the collective, supported by the CGT, SUD Solidaires and the militant network ReAct, in a letter sent on 24 February at the Defender of Rights.

164 reports of harassment

McDroits has attached 164 direct testimonies of sexual harassment and sexist discrimination received over the past year, according to her spokesperson Mathilde Simon, who denounces the inaction of the American brand.

"

At McDonald's, issues of harassment and discrimination are old and widespread

" and these facts "

take place in the utmost silence of officials and in constant contempt for victims,

" McDroits continued in a statement, on the occasion of the International Women's Rights Day.

"

The brand is working on the permanent reinforcement of the measures in place, working with all the experts and stakeholders, because no inappropriate behavior has its place in McDonald's restaurants

," responded the management of the restaurant chain. fast, requested by AFP.

Strengthening actions on these issues

The latter indicates having decided several months ago to strengthen its action on these issues and ensures that in the coming weeks, all of its supervisors will have followed a compulsory training module on these issues.

A psychological support number is also being deployed.

Finally, the brand recalls having taken "

32 disciplinary measures

" since 2019 after proven facts and ensures that for "

82% of team members

", their managers act correctly towards them.

Charges that are not new

According to the collective, 25 new complaints, bringing the total to 50 since 2016, have yet been filed for similar accusations in 2020. McDroits also recalls that an international coalition of unions has announced that it has filed a complaint with the OECD for self-made facts. - saying equivalents.

In October, the online media Mediapart and StreetPress had also published investigations questioning the managerial practices of the French restaurants of the American chain.