Fast-Food, Real Harm: Sexual Harassment and Employees’ Rights

Sexual harassment remains a serious problem in the fast-food industry, and recent federal investigations show how widespread it is. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting workplace discrimination and harassment, has investigated multiple sexual harassment cases against well-known fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Jack in the Box franchisees.

McDonald’s Teen Harassment Suit

A McDonald’s franchisee agreed to pay $80,000 to settle an EEOC lawsuit after a manager repeatedly sexually harassed a teenage female employee. According to the EEOC, the manager made inappropriate comments about her body and makeup and even threatened to sexually assault her. When the minor employee reported the behavior, the franchisee continued scheduling her to work with the same manager instead of removing him. She was ultimately forced to resign from her job because nothing was done to protect her.

Taco Bell’s Sexual Harassment Suit

Two Taco Bell franchisees agreed to pay $100,000 to settle an EEOC lawsuit brought by five workers. According to the EEOC, an area coach regularly harassed female workers, including employees under the age of eighteen, by making explicit sexual comments and requests. The EEOC also alleged that when one employee reported the harassment, the franchisee fired her the same day in retaliation.

Jack in the Box’s Sexual Harassment Suit

A Jack in the Box franchisee agreed to pay $50,000 to settle an EEOC lawsuit after a male general manager sexually assaulted and groped female workers on the job. According to the EEOC, multiple employees complained about his behavior, but the franchisee failed to promptly discipline or remove him.

Employees’ Protected Rights

These cases are not just disturbing—they are illegal. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, sexual harassment in the workplace is against the law. Employees have the right to a safe, harassment-free workplace regardless of where they work.

Sexual harassment can take many forms in the workplace, including:

·  Unwanted touching, groping, or sexual advances

·  Frequent inappropriate or offensive sexual comments, jokes, or requests

·  Being threatened, punished, or terminated for refusing sexual advances or reporting harassment

Sexual harassment does not need to be physical. Offensive comments about a person’s sex or gender alone can qualify as unlawful harassment. If you are being sexually harassed at work, here is what you should know:

·  It is not your fault. No one deserves to be harassed, regardless of their job, gender, age, or appearance.

·  You are protected by law. Federal and state laws protect workers from sexual harassment and from retaliation if they report misconduct.

·  Employers have a legal obligation to promptly investigate and stop harassment once it is reported or once they become aware of it.

·  You can take action. Even if your employer failed to address the situation, you may still have legal options.

If you work in fast food, or any other industry, and believe you are experiencing workplace sexual harassment or discrimination, you may have legal options. You also have the right to ask questions about your right as a worker. Contact the attorneys at Pechman Law Group at 212-583-9500 to discuss your situation.