An assurance to employees that discrimination would not be allowed.
In a move that has stunned business circles in the US and around the world, GrubHub CEO Matt Maloney has asked for the resignation of employees in his company who voted for Donald Trump.
In a letter addressed to his employees, Maloney wrote: “While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior–and those views, have no place at GrubHub.”
Unlike the conciliatory notes of Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, the GrubHub CEO was direct and his anti-Trump sentiment can be read throughout the letter that warns his employees of nothing more than termination anyone utters comments such as the ones made by Trump while at the workspace.
“Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination,” he added. “I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States,” he wrote.
“If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team,” he concluded.
The report of his shocker email was first reported by Fox News, that alleged Maloney was trying to intimidate Trump supporters working in GrubHub to resign. Maloney told Forbes that’s not the case.
In his clarification letter Maloney said, “I have no problem with an employee voting for Trump. I have no problem with an employee agreeing with Trump’s hateful statements. However, I will not tolerate discriminatory activity or hateful speech at GrubHub, and I will stand up for our employees when they are demeaned or defamed.”
The election result was a reflection of the growing support for Trump and Maloney’s letter to employees have irked a few Trump supporters who said they will never order food from GrubHub again.
In the meanwhile, Maloney said that he has not received a single resignation letter from any of his employees but instead received dozens of emails extending support, both from employees and outsiders.
The food-ordering company headquartered in Chicago connects diners with local restaurants for its users. It has more than 44,000 restaurant partners in over 1,000 cities across the United States and United Kingdom.
After the news about Maloney’s letter went viral, the shares of GrubHub fell 4%.
Here’s the full text of the email Maloney sent to his employees:
So… that happened… what’s next?
I’m still trying to reconcile my own worldview with the overwhelming message that was delivered last night. Clearly there are a lot of people angry and scared as the antithesis of every modern presidential candidate won and will be our next president.
While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior – and these views, have no place at Grubhub. Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination.
We have worked for years cultivating a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating – including all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual, cultural or ideological preferences. We are better, faster and stronger together.
Further I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump and will work to shield our community from this movement as best as I can. As we all try to understand what this vote means to us, I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone else here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States.
If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team.
I want to repeat what Hillary said this morning, that the new administration deserves our open minds and a chance to lead, but never stop believing that the fight for what’s right is worth it.
Stay strong,
Matt