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Kansas City McDonald's workers to join nationwide protest on sexual harassment

Posted at 6:31 AM, Sep 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-18 08:14:46-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On Tuesday, Kansas City McDonald's workers will join a first-ever nationwide strike, protesting sexual harassment.

Workers told 41 Action News they are confronting the company's failure to respond to complaints, including lewd comments and propositions for sex.

Workers want McDonald's to form a committee on sexual harassment that has workers, corporate representatives and leaders of national women's groups on board.

Nakisha Eubanks, a Northland McDonald's employee, said she'll be protesting for herself and friends that have experienced sexual harassment at work.

"I've had friends who've encountered sexual harassment, and I myself have experienced it also from a regular customer that comes in, things from comments emphasizing the shape of my body — and he's even gone as far as to offer me money for sex," Eubanks said. "I didn't report it, not knowing that I should, but being a part of the Fannie Lou Hamer Women's Committee and the Fight for $15 Stand Up Kansas City, I'm actually learning what my rights are and this is why I'm standing up tomorrow with the Fight for $15 to say again, 'Me too,' McDonald's."

In a statement, McDonald's defended its anti-harassment efforts.

"We have policies, procedures and training in place that are specifically designed to prevent sexual harassment at our company and company-owned restaurants, and we firmly believe that our franchisees share this commitment," the statement read.

The company also shared a new initiative that is planned to engage outside experts to work with the company to help evolve those policies and procedures.