The Necessity and Ethical Implications of Employee Employment in Fast Food Chains

Introduction

The fast food industry, including brands such as McDonald’s Hungry Jakes and KFC, faces a complex set of ethical and legal considerations when it comes to hiring employees. This article explores why these establishments employ individuals who might otherwise face significant barriers to employment, focusing on ethical implications and hiring practices.

The Legal Framework

Legality and Discrimination
Employers in the United States, for instance, are subject to laws such as the America with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which prohibit discrimination based on weight, color, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and disabilities. These legal protections mandate that employers can only exclude individuals if they can demonstrate that the candidate cannot perform the essential functions of the job,with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Capabilities
Physical ability to perform job duties is a valid criterion for employment. For example, a person with significant weight might be deemed physically incapable of performing tasks that involve frequent lifting or standing for extended periods. However, it would be unethical and illegal to exclude a candidate simply because they are of a certain size, as long as they can perform the necessary tasks.

Internal Hiring Practices and Motivations

Cases in the Fast Food Industry
Back in the day, when the author managed positions at Domino’s and Wendy’s, the hiring decisions were based on clear criteria, including the knowledge and ability to learn, availability for the required shifts, and willingness to work those shifts. The size of the person was not considered a factor in the decision-making process. The author would hire individuals who met these criteria, regardless of their physical size, as long as they were willing to put in the work.

RoI of Hiring Overweight Employees
The ethical argument for hiring overweight individuals lies in their potential to integrate into the workforce rather than relying on government assistance. The notion that employing such individuals forces others to rely on government payments is disingenuous. Instead, it provides them with an opportunity to work, earn, and potentially build skills that can lead to better employment opportunities in the future.

Character Building and Job Roles

Character Building
Positions in fast food chains, such as those at KFC, offer more than just physical labor. They cultivate character, work ethos, and provide a pathway to higher positions. For instance, individuals who demonstrate initiative and a strong work ethic in these roles can eventually advance to management positions, which are more physically robust.

Job Roles vs. Aesthetic Considerations
It is important to note that the employees in fast food chains are not merely there for aesthetic purposes. Their role in serving food, greeting customers, and maintaining a clean environment is essential to the success of the business. Therefore, focusing on the physical characteristics of employees can be seen as an unnecessary and troubling line of questioning.

Conclusion

Employment in the fast food sector, like that of McDonald's Hungry Jakes and KFC, is driven by a combination of ethical considerations and practical needs. Ensuring that candidates can perform the job is essential, but excluding individuals because of their physical appearance is fundamentally unethical. Fast food chains play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities and helping individuals build better futures, rather than relying on government assistance.