McDonald’s CEO fired after dating employee – Corus Radio

McDonald’s has fired CEO Steve Easterbrook after it was determined that he had entered into a relationship with an employee.

The fast food behemoth claimed the relationship was consensual, but Easterbrook had “violated company policy” and shown “poor judgement”.

Easterbrook stated that the relationship was an error, and agreed that it was time for him to “move on.” He will receive a severance package as a consequence of his termination.

LEARN MORE
• Severance packages for McDonald’s employees

The chain’s top human resources officer is also out of a job.

Does this breach in company policy constitute a termination for cause (i.e. no severance pay)?

Lior Samfiru is a Canadian employment lawyer. He joined Roy Green on the Corus Radio Network to discuss employee rights, workplace relationships, company policy and termination for cause.

In This Interview:

1:16 – Lior explains why McDonald’s was justified in firing its CEO over a consensual relationship with an employee.

2:27 – The risks of the relationship were the reason behind Easterbrook’s termination

3:24 – Lior on what the law says about employee relationships

4:48 – If employees do breach company policy on workplace relationships, it likely doesn’t warrant termination for cause (meaning no severance)

6:38 – CEOs and executives should receive their full severance pay when terminated from their job, unless it is a valid termination for cause

7:51 – Steve Easterbrook will likely reemerge in another senior executive position

8:58 – Lior’s advice for employees engaged in a relationship with a colleague: be upfront!

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