Speaking after the shocking BBC expose of the extent of sexual violence and harassment at McDonald’s throughout the UK, Clare Moore, Equality Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said
Sexual harassment and violence is illegal, unacceptable and has no place in the workplace. Unfortunately, as the McDonald’s scandal shows, sexual harassment is a grim reality for many women at work.
An ICTU survey of more than 600 trade union members with experience of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace found that over half of respondents had been subject to unwelcome jokes of a sexual nature whilst 20% reported experiencing unwanted sexual touching or attempts to kiss them.
Our findings also showed that the majority of people who were subjected to sexual harassment or assault did not go on to report it to their employer because they were afraid of the consequences for their job.
For too many workers in front-line jobs like fast food workers, shop staff and GP’s receptionists, regular abuse and harassment can not only come from other employees but also from customers and patients.
The regular reports of workplace sexual harassment show us that we need stronger laws and positive action from employers to protect workers from abuse and harassment at work.
