McDonald’s is investigating allegations an Irish worker was taunted for rape

McDonald’s is to investigate allegations that an employee in Ireland was mocked at work after she was raped at a house party.

Ciara Mangan waived her right to anonymity this week and spoke out publicly after a former colleague was convicted of rape a decade ago.

She said she was taunted with “rape songs” and “rape comments” at work after the attack.

In a statement, Alistair Macrow, the fast food company’s chief executive for the UK and Ireland, said: “I commend Ciara’s courage in speaking out about her horrific experiences.”

“I am deeply appalled by these new allegations and am committed to fully investigating them as part of our investigative unit.”

Earlier this week, Mr Macrow appointed a new unit to tackle sexual harassment and bullying after admitting the company had “fallen short” following a BBC report into multiple harassment allegations at the company.

He said the investigation department will be able to refer cases to specialized investigators.

This came after more than 100 former and current workers said they had been sexually harassed or assaulted, or subjected to racism or bullying, in the chain.

“The allegations I heard this week are personally and professionally shocking.”

“I would like to express my unreserved apology and sympathy to anyone who has been affected in any way and commend their courage in coming forward.”

“We have clearly fallen short in some critical areas and I am committed to rooting out any behavior that falls below the high standards of respect, safety and inclusion that we demand of everyone at McDonald’s and that are detailed in our global brand standards .”

Mr Macrow said the unit, led by human resources and legal experts, would remain in place until at least the end of the year.

He said: “Any justified breach of our code of conduct will be punished with the most severe measures, up to and including dismissal.”

He also promised to appoint outside experts who can assess what happens when an employee complains about a colleague.

The BBC report included allegations that complaints had not been properly escalated.

The external experts assess whether McDonald’s escalation policy is effective, accessible and how well employees understand it.

“I will ensure everyone is in no doubt that I unequivocally insist on zero tolerance for harassment of any kind and will ensure that our non-negotiable message of respect and inclusivity is clearly heard throughout our organization,” Mr Macrow added .

The BBC reported that a McDonald’s employee in his late 30s tried to show his penis to a 17-year-old female colleague after calling her a racial slur.

Another 17-year-old girl said a senior McDonald’s manager grabbed her butt and choked her.

In February, McDonald’s signed an agreement with the Equal Opportunities Authority to improve its handling of sexual harassment allegations.

In 2019, the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union said it spoke to 1,000 women who reported experiencing sexual harassment and abuse while working at the chain.