'Want to scream': 70-year-old man who gave 50 years to company fired with no severance. Internet brings debate on capitalist society

A viral Reddit post has reignited debate about corporate loyalty after a user shared the story of his manager, a man in his early 70s who was dismissed after more than five decades with the same company.

The incident, discussed widely on Reddit, has raised serious questions about how older employees are treated following long careers, particularly when termination occurs without severance pay or formal recognition of service.

Veteran Employee Placed on Performance Improvement Plan After Acquisition

According to the Reddit post, the long-serving manager had built a reputation for fairness and integrity over 50-plus years with the organisation. The employee who shared the story said the manager had personally hired him and supported his career progression by arranging company-sponsored certifications.

However, after the company was acquired by a multinational firm, the manager was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) in early February. The stated reason was quality concerns in the field, areas that were reportedly not part of his direct day-to-day responsibilities.

The Reddit user alleged that because the costs were formally attributed to the manager’s department, he became an easy target during restructuring.

Immediate Termination Without Severance Pay

Soon after being placed on the PIP, the veteran manager was dismissed on the grounds that he had failed to meet the required targets. While he was not escorted from the building, the termination was effective immediately.

What has particularly angered many online commenters is the claim that he received no severance package, despite other employees with far shorter tenures reportedly receiving separation pay during a previous round of layoffs.

The Reddit poster suggested that the PIP may have served as documentation to justify termination without financial liability.

Age Discrimination Concerns Raised on Reddit

The story gained significant traction on Reddit, with users debating corporate ethics, age discrimination and the reality of workplace loyalty.

Several commenters advised the former manager to consult an employment solicitor specialising in age discrimination. Others argued that modern corporations operate strictly on transactional terms, where long-term dedication does not guarantee security.

One user commented that in a capitalist system, workers must view themselves as independent operators rather than relying on company loyalty. Another suggested the company may face legal consequences if age discrimination could be proven.

Corporate Loyalty vs Modern Workplace Reality

The case has sparked a broader discussion about job security for older workers. In the UK and many other countries, age discrimination is unlawful under employment legislation. However, proving unfair dismissal can be complex, particularly when performance management processes such as PIPs are involved.


Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Reddit. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.