People might assume that the fast food workplace is supposed to be a safe space for younger people to make money and obtain experiences. Unfortunately, this is not the case at all, especially for overworked teens in the fast food industry.
This summer I spent some time with my family in South Carolina. We went to visit my eldest cousin at her place of work; Taco Bell. Everything seemed to be alright until these two teen girls showed up and started causing unnecessary ruckus.
They did small things at first, like making their order name something inappropriate or childishly giggling for no reason. Then their antics became worse. They started table hopping, throwing food, and taking pictures of the workers.
It then came to my attention that harassment of teen fast food workers happens a lot more than it should. Not only does this come from immature customers, but also managers or other employees.
In a recent article from BBC, it claimed that a worker quit her job after she says managers inappropriately touched her and customers sexually harassed her. When she further discussed it, she said she was told to “suck it up.”
Teenagers already have so much on their plate, with school, activities and the desire to still have a social life. These kids do not deserve to go to a place where they are supposed to be safe- only to get tormented on a daily basis.
“In April, a National Restaurant Association analysis found six million 16- to 19-year-olds in the labor pool, the month’s highest reading since 2009, on the other, they’re entering a field where industry critics say little has been done to end sexual harassment, particularly when it comes to the youngest workers,” news corporation Barron’s said. “On the other, they’re entering a field where industry critics say little has been done to end sexual harassment, particularly when it comes to the youngest workers.”
I’ve had friends who have had jobs where their managers would be making sexual remarks, or subtly touching their backs or legs. Even though they did speak up, it was still difficult to endure and then work up the courage to try and put it to an end.
Teens deserve a safe environment in the workplace and instead of hiring people without checking their background, fast food chains should start putting more effort into finding adults who will make sure that these jobs will be a safe space for innocent teens who just want to make a little cash.
