Following a CBS Sunday Morning report of sexual harassment allegations at a number of its U.S units, McDonald’s Corp. has ordered a review of its workplace safety policies and programs.
“We intend to understand current best practices, solicit the input of franchisees and crew and define a set of global brand standards that we can communicate later this year,” wrote McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski in an open letter posted on the McDonald’s website.
Kempczinski said he had asked for a review of policies and programs across the global system by four members of the brand’s executive team, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, Ian Borden, president of McDonald’s international, Heidi Capozzi, global chief people officer, and Katie Fallon, chief global impact officer.
“Let me say plainly: every single person working under the Arches must have a safe and respectful wok environment. Sexual harassment in the workplace is an affront to everything we stand for as a system. It has no place in any McDonald’s restaurant, and it will not be tolerated,” Kempczinski said in his statement.
As of December 31, 2020, McDonalds had about 39,000 locations in more than 100 countries. About 93 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by franchisees.
