McDonald’s Acts in Case Over Remarks Made to Transgender Teen Who Applied for Job

LONDON, December 8, 2009 The McDonald’s fast-food outlet in Salt Lake Road, Orlando, Florida, took swift action yesterday following allegations that a member of staff had made a homophobic remark to a transgender teenager who had applied for a job.

Following an investigation, the individual employee who is said to have made the remark has been dismissed, a spokesperson for McDonald’s in Salt Lake Road told UK Gay News last night.

Seventeen-years-old Zikerria Bellamy, who had made an employment application to the company, said that she had received a voicemail telling her: “You will not get hired.  We do not hire faggots.”

She reported this to Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund who yesterday said they  had filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

“Salt Lake Road McDonald’s has a strict policy prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment in hiring, termination, or any other aspect of employment in the organization,” spokesperson Allison Garrett said.

“The restaurant requires all employees to comply with local, state and federal employment laws.

“Upon learning about this matter, the restaurant investigated the claims to gather the facts, and action was taken consistent with employment policies.

“The behaviour of the individual in question is not reflective of the employment policies in the organization.  Further, this individual acted outside the scope of his authority and was not responsible for hiring.  The individual in question is no longer employed by the restaurant.

“Again, the Sand Lake Road McDonald’s has a zero tolerance policy prohibiting discrimination or harassment in the restaurant,” she concluded.

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