McDonald's Workers In Michigan Sue Chain Over Sexual Harassment, Toxic Culture

McDonald’s has been hit with a lawsuit by staff at a Michigan location that alleges that the fast-food chain failed to address sexual harassment.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday, claiming that female employees at a McDonald’s in Mason, Michigan, suffered from systemic harassment. It specifically points to the manager of a franchise, saying he made repeated passes at female employees who worked there.

McDonald’s is accused of not properly addressing sexual harassment, poor training practices, and taking action against anyone who would complain. The plaintiffs are suing for $5 million in damages, improved training programs and better protection for employees.

“I constantly lived in fear of losing my job,” plaintiff Jenna Ries said during a conference call with reporters. “I needed the money.”

Ries was one of the only plaintiffs in the lawsuit who has publicly identified herself. She alleged that the manager of the McDonald’s had pinned her against the wall of its walk-in freezer.

The lawsuit also pointed to the firing of Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook as further proof of the alleged culture.

Easterbrook’s firing was announced after it was discovered he had been in a consensual relationship with another employee. McDonald’s said he had violated corporate policy forbidding managers from having relationships with their employees. While Easterbrook was not accused of sexual assault, he did say the relationship was a mistake.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are being represented and supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, and Fight for $15.