Trans woman accepts apology as Jollibee to conduct sensitivity workshops

Bunny Cadag has accepted the apology of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) for the discrimination she experienced while applying for a transcriber position.

Cadag confirmed this to GMA News Online via Facebook chat late Thursday evening.

"Yes. They personally reached out to me this afternoon. Sabi ko sa kanila it would be best na magconsult muna ako sa Legal Counsel at sa CHR para may right people to facilitate us sa meeting. They are willing naman to cooperate. I just have to let them know para ma-discuss ito," Cadag said.

She added, "Mapagpalaya tayo. Napatawad na natin sila."

Read: Jollibee issues apology to trans woman turned away from office premises

Cadag, a transgender woman who was hired by the company in June for a transcription job, was told that JFC was not ready for LGBT culture and was told that she was not welcome at their office.

JFC on Thursday issued a statement saying they have reached out to Cadag to personally apologize and affirmed their stance as an inclusive brand.

However, Cadag said there are concrete steps that need to be taken in order to prevent similar instances of discrimination from happening to other people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE).

"We still have to come up with concrete agreements with Jollibee to include gender-sensitivity seminars at SOGIE Workshops as part of required training for all their staff/employees," she said.

She stressed that SOGIE workshops should be conducted if JFC wants to be a strong ally and make sure that Jollibee remains a safe work place for everyone "regardless of gender and physical appearance."

JFC in a statement released on Friday said that they are looking to conduct SOGIE workshops for their employees.

Aside from the apology, Cadag said that she hopes that JFC will release a statement clarifying what they originally meant when they turned her away.

"Personally, gusto ko ng pormal na paliwanag mula sa client — Jollibee — kung talagang 'hindi sila handa' na makipag trabaho sa mga tulad ko. At paliwanag din sa HCD kung anu ang mekanismo nila upang hindi ma-compromise ang kanilang mga outsourced personnel gaya ko kung may mga kliyente na may discriminatory policies," she said.

JFC in their statement said they do not tolerate "any disrespect, discrimination, harassment, violation or intimidation of any person, consistent with our company policy on diversity and inclusion."

Cadag said that JFC should prove this by creating a policy that will support their position.

"Gusto kong patunayan nila ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng company policy on anti-discrimination na ipagbawal ang anumang uri ng diskriminasyon sa iba't ibang level ng employment," she said.

Their investigation found that one employee brought up personal concerns about the presence of a transgender in the office to a consultant, who then relayed it to Cadag.

Both were "not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the company", but JFC declared that they are taking full responsibility for the events that transpired.

"Plans are already underway to conduct a SOGIE training for all employees across the JFC organization," their statement read.

Cadag in her original post stated that she is making this stand not just for herself, but for other members of the LGBTQ+ community and to highlight the need for the Anti-Discrimination Bill to be passed and implemented swiftly. —JST/KVD, GMA News