This content discusses an incident involving a pregnant employee and her boss over maternity leave due to pregnancy, sparked a lot of outrage online. The employee initially wanted to take her full, legally entitled leave, and the boss refused, arguing difficultly that she needed to “give her the time she needed.” Ben, a career expert, highlighted the exchange, describing it as one of the top three of the worst bosses he has faced. Ben claimed the employee’s demands were manipulative and implied the boss might have purposefully raised her points to “give her the time she asked for.”
The TikTok video, which had been viewed nearly 590,000 times, detailed the exchange, with the boss offering to “smooth out everything” and provide support. Many viewers frustration justification the boss’s demand, calling it a suing the company or a “casual act.” The video’s reach led to heated comments, some calling the boss a “manipulative FPGA” and others suggesting legal action. Despite the backlash, the employee’s request was met with support, including extra help from the boss, showing she was ‘fair’ even though she was entitled to her leave.
While the boss’s direct mention of being “fine” by not using guilt to “get her reasoning wrong” was shocking, Ben later criticized the message as pushing the employee’s right and calling it “a waste of time.” The employee argued she was “desperate” but stressed she made a “reasonable” request, offering extra help to cover her costs. The story reflects broader concerns about maternity leave as a “favor” and gender-fluid expectations conflicting with company policies. This issue highlights the legal implications of young mothers in the work environment and calls for reform under the Fair Work Act.
The article also touches on the experiences of former employees who described similar situations, with one user sharing how their managers ignored their request for extended leave because it could lead to their death. Another noted the employee’s emotional bravery in declining to explain herself, despite not being an equity holder or director in the business. The incident underscores the importance of addressing young mothers while maintaining fair work practices, especially as maternity leaves owed a simply to reproductive Independence. The TikTok video and its aftermath have sparked debate about equality, integrity, and the role of parents in the labor market.
