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On 18 May, an international coalition of trade unions, including the European trade-union federation Effat and IUF, submitted a complaint to the OECD’s National Contact Point (NCP) in the Netherlands, alleging systemic sexual harassment in McDonald’s restaurants worldwide. This is the first time that a complaint alleging sexual harassment has been submitted to an OECD NCP (see press releases issued by Effat and IUF). Furthermore, it is based on the notion of “systemic sexual harassment” which amounts to denouncing a corporation’s cultural tolerance of sexual harassment-related offences. Lastly, this complaint is directed against both the company and its franchisees, meaning that the case is relevant to other multinational companies operating with a significant element of franchising, such as in the hotel industry. Effat believes that McDonald’s response to harassment and to gender-based violence – as defined by its refusal to assume any liability for abusive behaviour in its franchise stores – is a breach of the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises which, according to the complaint, make it clear that corporations cannot hide behind franchise arrangements when it comes to addressing these issues.
> In each country, the National Contact Point promotes the OECD’s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (other languages) and responsible business conduct. The NCP can be called upon to examine cases involving allegations that these Guidelines have not been followed. In such cases, it acts as a non-judicial mediation body, which offers the parties a platform for dialogue, with a view to helping to resolve their disputes, on the basis of the Guidelines.
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