- McDonald's -

Re: Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, Mcdonalds = ABUSIVE

In Reply to: Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, Mcdonalds = ABUSIVE posted by Trevor Byrne on December 27, 1997 at 18:51:01:

Trevor,

There are several things in your message. First, the definition of "abuse." More than likely, (without knowing the details of your personal situation) there would be little you could do about verbal "abuse". I'm not sure about the laws in Canada, but if they are similar to those in the US, then there are things you can do. Verbal abuse can be dealt with if you can establish that a hostile environment was created (it would help if there are others who would corroborate your position). Managers at fast food places feel they can be abusive (some, certainly not all) because they know that there is an army of 15 year olds out there they can replace you with if you quit. They also know that very few would take legal action. But proving verbal abuse (especially by a 15 year old - sorry) would be very difficult. (But it can be done, especially if a bunch of you come forward)
The physical abuse is an entirely different matter. I'm not sure what you mean when you say he "hit" you, but managers are NOT allowed to physically intimidate employees (at least in this country). Legal recourse is your best bet. If he did this in front of other people, they can be witnesses to abuse in a legal proceeding. Without witnesses, there is probably not much you can do. If the others are afraid to testify for fear of losing their jobs, there are usually laws in place to protect them. If they did lose their job because they testified, then THEY would have legal recourse too. If anything came of it though, there's a chance that the manager would lose his job, and not be there to fire anyone.
A couple lines in your post concern me. You say you don't want to sue. Why not? If you are implying that you would like to take some type of personal revenge (property destruction, food sabotage etc), I would STRONGLY urge you not to. The ONLY thing that could result in is YOUR getting in trouble. And if you got in trouble for it, it would only reinforce any stand the manager took against you.
Your best avenue is the legal one. It does not necessarily mean you have to sue in court though. In the states, we have State Labor Boards, and a federal Department of Labor. I would assume that Canada has something similar. You can demand a hearing on your charges at this level. There are many sanctions/remedies they can impose (including monetary). There are also civil remedies that you could potentially pursue in the courts. Don't be afraid. The ONLY way behavior like this can be stopped, is if people (like you) stand up to it.
Another idea would be to file a written complaint with the regional manager, or franchise owner. They take these things seriously because they know it could cost them A LOT of money if it ended up in court. If the manager at the store won't provide you with the address, there should be some type of county clerk (or Canadian equivelent) where you can look it up. It's a matter of public record. Then, you wouldn't be in the courts, but you could still get him in trouble. Imply in your letter that if some type of (documented) reprimand isn't imposed (with you receiving notification of what it is) that it may end up in court. Companies don't like to think they may be taken to court, especially over something that's easily fixable. It's VERY expensive. You could also ask the manager himself (or have your parents do it) for the address. If he refuses, include that in the letter when you do get the address. ALWAYS keep copies of anything you send/do. Try to get your parents in on it too. It's unfortunate, but they will take the adults more seriously. Even if they won't though, you can still do it on your own. If they blow you off, in your next letter ask them what kind of PR they're going to get when the media gets wind (that you'll send the media) that this big company is picking on a 15 year old?
The media is another avenue. You can make it REALLY hot for this manager if you want to. Good luck

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