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SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake School Board member known for raising awareness about various issues now says cafeteria workers in the district are being bullied at work.
Michael Clara filed a sex discrimination complaint with the USDA saying female cafeteria employees are in a hostile work environment. He claimed many students don't get a full lunch because short staffing means not enough food is prepared.
He said he found employees not being allowed to take breaks, not being paid for all their time worked, and being threatened with termination if they question what he called unethical practices.
The school district said the allegations are without merit and district leaders welcome the chance to speak with the USDA about it. The district said it constantly undergoes audits and reviews to make sure it complies with federal, state and local laws and rules.
Clara said he started talking to employees after lunches were thrown away at Uintah Elementary School due to students' insufficient funds. The district apologized, started several investigations and made changes after the incident.
