Details her career so far as a McDonald's employee. Claims that the policy of no under-18s working after 10pm has been adhered to. Discusses Viona Byfield and David McGhee but says she cannot remember very clearly who they are. Claims that there was always enough staff to run the restaurant and she never felt any pressure to work longer hours. Discusses the issue of unions at McDonald's and management attitude to them. Claims that management take accidents and burns very seriously and details her own experience of these. Details what happens at Rap sessions and crew meetings and discusses how useful both are. Discusses managers attitudes to crew members taking time of due t illness.

Has worked at McDonald's since 1975.
Was made a floor hostess and become a part of the local stores' marketing group in 1985

1. I have worked at the McDonald's restaurant on Seven Sisters road since it was opened in 1975. I began a. a crew member and in 1985 was made a floor hostess and become a pert of the local stores' marketing group. In the late 1970s I was offered the position of floor manager but refused it due to family commitments. I have always worked part-time; from 2.00 to 5.00 p.m. up to 1984 and then from 12.00 to 4.00 p.m. I now work from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and occasionally I work breakfasts, holidays and cover for other absences.

2. It is and has been a policy of the restaurant that no-one under 18 is allowed to work after 10.00 pm. This, as far as I am aware, has been adhered to. I do know that if any of the girls work late shifts (till 10.00 p.m.) they are taken hone in a taxi.

3. I do remember a Jackie Byfield, called Viona in the pleadings, working at the store, but cannot put a face to her. She must have been there a while for me to have remembered the name. I do not recall there being any incidents where she was required to work past 10.00 p.m. nor of her getting a burn which led to scarring. I do not remember any specific incident whereby accidents occurred as a result of oil on the floor. The floors were mopped very regularly and it was instilled into us that we should clean up as we went along. whenever anyone spilled anything it was their responsibility to clean it up.

4. The name of Dave McGhee is familiar but I do not remember him specifically. There is a refrigeration room, but if someone is Just going in there to collect an item of food they are never in there very long. If someone does have to be in there a long time, e.g. for cleaning purposes, then there is always a pair of gauntlet gloves available, kept in the back room.

5. The only time when there is an increase in work pressure is when, say, two crew members do not show up for their shift and no-one from other branches can fill in. The manager will always 'phone around first for replacements. Apart from these occasions, there are certainly always enough staff for the Job. I never felt any pressure to work long hours and very seldom would I work through breaks. However, if this was required then I would be offered a later break or allowed to leave my shift early. Again, this only happens when people do not show up to work.

6. I do not remember any incident involving a woman who had been employed at the restaurant for ten years, who then claimed she had contracted varicose veins and consequently was refused retirement. If there was an employee who had worked at the store for 10 years I believe that I would have known of her and it 1e highly probable that I would have known of her condition.

supplementary statement:

1. I make this supplementary statement in order to comment more fully on the general allegations raised by Viona Byfield and David McGee in their witness statements, both of which I have read.

2. Trade Unions

Throughout the whole period of my employment with McDonald's I cannot recall anyone every asking me whether I would like to Join a trade union or talking about unions generally. As far as I am concerned unions have never been an issue at McDonald's and I have never thought about Joining one. Contrary to what David McGee says in his statement, it has never been my impression that management are anti-union, in fact I cannot recall ever hearing any management raise the subject. similarly I have never heard any crew member expressing concern that they might be sacked if they joined a trade union.

3. Burns and Accidents

It is correct that employees suffer burns and accident. on occasions. Indeed, I myself suffered a fairly serious injury when I slipped on some ice spilt by a customer and broke my wrist about 8 years ago. The manager at the time was Tony Giardina who sent me straight to hospital by taxi. This is the only accident that I have had during my employment with McDonald's although I have had several minor burns over the years. It has always been my observation that management take accidents and burns seriously.

4. Training

I am surprised that David McGee says that he never received any training whatsoever. This kiss certainly not been my experience. I received training when I Joined McDonald's and so far as I am aware no does every other crew member. The training I received included the showing of training videos.

5. Rap Sessions and Crew Meetings

Rap sessions are held every few months at the restaurant and are normally taken by an outside supervisor. The purpose of rap sessions are for employees to express their views about the restaurant and its management. This involves employees airing any grievances or problems they may have as well as making positive suggestions which they might have. In my experience many people did raise grievances and where possible management would respond to these by making any necessary change. It has certainly always been my impression that management takes rap sessions seriously. Personally however, I do not like rap sessions as it has always been my approach that if I have a complaint I would rather tell the manager directly rather than raise it with others behind the manager's back. As far as crew meetings were concerned, the purpose of these was to inform employees as to what events are coming up in the near future at the store. Personally I have always found these to be a useful means of communication.

6. In her statement, Viona Byfield states that it was generally quite difficult to convince managers when she was ill and that they were suspicious and hostile to her request to go off sick. That has certainly not been my experience on the occasions when I have been ill and have had to miss work. Management have always been extremely understanding and there has been no pressure on me to come in to work. On the contrary, when I have had heavy colds or flu, I have been told expressly not to come into work. On occasions when my children have been ill and I have been unable to come into work because I had to look after them, the managers have been understanding and have not pressurised me in any way.

7. General

I would add that I have very much enjoyed my 20 years at McDonald's and would hope to go on working there for as long as I am able. The atmosphere has been happy and stimulating, and, so far as I am concerned, McDonald's have been very good employers. I think that the pay is fair for the Job I do, and I have found that the flexibility of the hours I am able to work has suited me very well (I have brought up five children and I have a husband who likes me to be at home when he gets back from work). One of the things I have liked best about McDonald's is its insistence on cleanliness. In my opinion (I am 60 years old), the British restaurant trade has benefited from the example set by McDonald's in this area.

exhibits: Not applicable/ available

transcripts of court appearances:

• Day 159 - 20 July 95,
• Day 160 - 21 July 95,

related links:

• Complete witness list
• 'People' top page
• McLibel court transcripts index
• 'McLibel' top page
• Employment section of 'The Issues'
• 'McLibel' section of the Debating Room