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Norwegian top manager resigns after revelation of terror

The CEO of Food Folk Norway, which manages the McDonald’s brand in the Norwegian market, is resigning.

This happens after conditions worthy of criticism were revealed at three of McDonald’s’ restaurants in Bergen, which are run by Food Folk Norway through the company Zero Five AS.

The stock exchange and BA has previously mentioned that the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority came to an unannounced inspection at McDonald’s Arken in Åsane, where a full alarm was sounded about shocking and reprehensible working conditions.

Predation of employees – with pressure to work despite illness, understaffing and too few breaks, were among the shocking findings. The revelation triggered a strong earthquake internally in what constitutes one of Norway’s largest restaurant chains.

– My responsibility

Kleivan has previously admitted a serious defeat to Børsen in connection with the case.

– For McDonald’s, safe workplaces are the key to success. When we have now seen such large discrepancies as the labor inspectorate discovered on Arken, and it happens under my leadership, it is ultimately my responsibility. We have agreed that the further work is best handled with a new person in the management chair, says Børre Kleivan in a message.

Mats Hörnell, CEO of Food Folk Norden, thanks Kleivan for his efforts and important contributions:

– As one of Norway’s largest employers for young people, we have an extra responsibility to ensure a safe and good workplace. We have already taken important steps to improve the conditions that were uncovered. We would like to thank Kleivan for his genuine efforts and valuable contribution to the organization, and wish him the best of luck.

Kleivan has worked at Food Folk Norway since January 2020, and will continue in the company for a transitional period. Erik Jansson will take over as acting CEO until a new manager is in place, it is stated.

– The collapse

Børsen has previously mentioned Julie Follesø (20), who was a full-time employee at one of the restaurants in question. Then the 20-year-old stopped protesting.

– People have fainted repeatedly. After collapsing on the floor, you were told to go to the emergency room or home. The low staffing situation meant that one did not have the capacity to eat or take a break. If you were ill at work, you were told to continue. If you sent a sick note, you were demoted and asked to come to work anyway, Follesø emphasizes to Børsen.

GOT NOK: Julie Follesø was previously a full-time employee at McDonald's, but left in protest.  Photo: Paul S. Amundsen

GOT NOK: Julie Follesø was previously a full-time employee at McDonald’s, but left in protest. Photo: Paul S. Amundsen
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When asked if the employees notified about the conditions, she answered:

– Repeatedly. We said from time to time about the staffing situation, but were never heard. I think it is frightening that there are no better internal controls and security systems that catch this, she believes.

– Infinitely sorry

Kleivan acknowledged that there had been a serious failure in the notification routines.

– Yes, as I judge it, since the alerts never reached us. It should be safe, rewarding and fun to work at McDonald’s. The findings in the supervisory report run counter to absolutely all our values, Kleivan told Børsen last week.

He stated that the company has invested enormous resources in cleaning up the case, and at the same time promised that something similar would not happen again.

– I am infinitely sorry and disappointed that this has taken place. (…) We will strengthen our routines, and I have given my word that I will do absolutely everything in my power so that this does not happen again.

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