Our Rights At Work: THE SEX HARASSMENT CRISIS IN FAST FOOD & THE PATH TO A SAFER WORKPLACE

Fast Food workers have been sounding the alarm about sexual harassment in their workplaces since the #MeToo movement spotlighted the sexual harassment crisis across workplaces ten years ago. Fast food workers have courageously shared their difficult experiences at work and taken action to end these abuses by going on strike, protesting and holding bosses accountable under the law. Their courage has resulted in monetary compensation for survivors, the first ever Fast Food Council -where workers and employers have an equal seat at the table to address workplace issues, and the introduction of local laws, like the Los Angeles Fast Food Fair Work ordinance, which would mandate in-person Know Your Rights trainings for fast food workers in order to empower them to better understand the law and hold unscrupulous employers accountable.

It’s clear, fast food corporations continue to fail their workers in protecting them from sexual harassment. A new report released from Legal Aid at Work and the California Fast Food Workers Union found that 4 in 10 women surveyed, directly experienced sex harassment at work and a shocking 72% of workers surveyed said management does not always, or even most of the time, respond appropriately to stop the harassment. In fast food, the harms victims of sex harassment face are often compounded by intersecting problems of economic insecurity, job instability, and barriers to accessing workplace rights and protections.

Ending the crisis of sex harassment in fast food starts with ensuring all fast food workers have the knowledge and know-how to protect themselves and their coworkers. The report recommends comprehensive, independent “Know Your Rights” trainings to empower workers to protect themselves and hold the fast food brands and their franchises accountable.

CONTENT WARNING

This report contains descriptions of sexual harassment and sexual assault, gender-based violence, economic abuse, and workplace discrimination and retaliation. As you read this report, please care for yourself however you may need to.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, including thoughts of harming yourself, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If you would like to talk to a compassionate peer counselor, call the California Warm Line at (833) 317-4673.