Women chefs speak out against sexism at work

In terms of sexism, from the subtlest things to the sort of 12-year-old style antics that are so offensive of things like bra unclasping... it's hugely rampant.- Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg. speaking out in the wake of Kate Burnham's allegations of sexual harassment in the kitchen.

There's an old saying that if you can't stand the heat, you should get out of the kitchen. And as far as workplaces go, kitchens are notorious pressure cookers.

But there's pressure... and then there's abuse. And that's what one Toronto cook is alleging she experienced at work. 

In an application to Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal, Kate Burnham says she was inappropriately touched and routinely harassed by colleagues at the restaurant Weslodge. Those allegations have not been proven at the tribunal, and the men named in the case are denying them.     

But her story has prompted other women to open up about their restaurant kitchen experiences. To talk about the place of women in an industry some say is bubbling over with sexism.

Kate Burnham was in our Toronto studio.
 

The issue of sexism and sexual harassment in professional kitchens is a long-simmering one.

• Donna Dooher was a chef for 35 years. She's the founder of Mildred's Temple Kitchen in Toronto and the president and CEO of Restaurants Canada. 
• Joshna Maharaj is the Executive Chef of Ryerson University's Food Services. 
• Bruce McAdams is an assistant professor at the University of Guelph's School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management.
   

This segment was produced by The Current's Sarah Grant, Acey Rowe and Vanessa Greco.

* UPDATE *

After our story aired, we heard from the co-owners of Weslodge restaurant -- Charles Khabouth, CEO of INK Entertainment and Hanif Harji, CEO of Icon Legacy Hospitality. They said they were troubled by the allegations which they call "disturbing and unacceptable".

They have undertaken a review of the restaurant's HR procedures, and say an investigation into the allegations has "revealed that there may have been lack of communication and reporting of the alleged incidents at Weslodge in 2012. This circumstance impeded our ability to affect appropriate remedies, and we regret this." 

The statement goes on to read,  "We have parted ways with all the individuals involved in the allegations throughout various times in 2014 and remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved through mediation with Ms. Burnham."