McDonald’s investigated after workers claim water and bathroom breaks denied during shifts

A McDonald’s store in Adelaide is under review by SafeWork SA after workers claimed they were denied water and bathroom breaks during their shifts.

Employees at the fast food giant’s West Lakes store, located in the city’s western suburbs, alleged to the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) that they were not allowed to keep water at their workstations.

Instead, they claimed they were told to store their water in the crew room and were required to ask for permission to leave their stations for a drink or bathroom break.

SDA representatives visited the store on December 4, 2024, to follow up and in a report the union claimed that workers had reported that break requests were often denied, and they were told to wait until demand eased, which could take some time.

“Workers report management calling them ‘annoying’ for asking for water or bathroom access,” the SDA report, submitted to Safe Work SA, alleged.

The SDA report also claimed one worker was denied permission to take necessary medication during their shift, while three others reported experiencing heat stress.

“During hot conditions, the AC is ineffective in areas like the kitchen centre and drive-thru, increasing the need for hydration,” the report said.

In response to an inquiry from 7NEWS.com.au, SDA South Australian secretary Josh Peak called the situation “outrageous,” alleging the actions were “unlawful and incredibly unsafe”.

“McDonald’s is the largest employer of young people in Australia, and it’s outrageous they are denying their crew their fundamental rights,” Peak said.

“Heat stress is a real hazard in a fast-paced and hot work environment like fast food, denying workers access to water exacerbates this risk.

“All workers have the right to have access to drinking water and to go to the bathroom. Macca’s workers should not have to ask for permission every time they need to do this.”

McDonald’s Australia said in a statement to 7NEWS.com.au that it was “committed to providing safe and respectful workplaces for our crew”.

“Our crew are able to access water and amenities throughout their shift, as needed.

“In accordance with food safety regulations, drink bottles are not allowed in food preparation or customer service areas.

“Safe Work SA contacted McDonald’s West Lakes in November 2024. No recommendations were made to rectify or remedy any issues.

“The union made us aware that they had received contact from a crew member and have yet to provide us with further details or seek a formal response.”

Safe Work SA confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that it had conducted two visits to the store since the report was filed in December 2024 and is still reviewing the situation.