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Fast-food establishments and other high-volume restaurants often rely heavily on young workers. These jobs can provide valuable experience and spending money to teenagers with little or no work history. Unfortunately, certain supervisors and companies take advantage of the fact that young people might not be familiar with their rights as employees. This can lead to several types of problems, including wage theft and sexual harassment. 

The regional fast-casual chain Slim Chickens recently agreed to pay $300,000 in order to settle an action alleging that several young female workers were mistreated by a shift manager. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employees at a location in Hot Springs, Arkansas faced sexual harassment, which reportedly continued even after complaints were lodged with the company. 

Businesses in industries that consistently utilize minors and young adults in their workforce should be particularly vigilant about sexual harassment awareness. Teen employees might be unfamiliar with complaint channels, reliant on managers for scheduling and references, and hesitant to speak up. Managers should receive thorough training about avoiding even the appearance of unwanted advances, with clear consequences for transgressions. Conversely, companies need to tell every new team member about ways to report problematic workplace behavior confidentially. To reduce the likelihood that harassment will go unchecked, establish multiple reporting methods, such as by phone, text and email. 

Given that Slim Chickens has approximately 200 outlets operated by various franchisees, they have the ability to identify commonalities among cases of workplace sexual harassment involving younger victims. For example, evening and late shifts might merit closer oversight, unannounced walk-throughs and periodic climate checks.

When a problem does arise, notification to human resources personal should be mandatory and include documented event timelines. If possible, the accused should be separated from the complainant’s work schedule. 

No one of any age should be subject to sexual pressure from their boss or a hostile work environment. Early, decisive action is critical and getting a proven attorney on your side makes it much more difficult for employers to turn a blind eye that lets workplace predators seek out more victims. 

Kardell Law Group advocates for sexual harassment victims and has recovered substantial compensation for individuals who have been subjected to mistreatment on the job. Please contact us today if your rights as an employee have been violated.