‘Pathetic’: Son slams Commonwealth Bank for gifting mum marked pin, flowers after 45 years of employment

A man has taken to social media to reveal how his mother was given a “pathetic” gift after she clocked up nearly five decades of service with one of Australia’s big 4 banks.

Nick, who shares his stories on TikTok as @dreamfueltribe, revealed his mother had been employed for 45 years at Commonwealth Bank Australia, telling his followers she dedicated most of her life to the institution.

“She worked at a bank for more than two thirds of her life. Two thirds of our life, 45 years of service,” Nick told his audience in the video.

“Do you know what they got her? Not a watch, not a piece of jewellery, not a nice dinner out.

“They gave her a bunch of flowers and a pin, to say 45 years,” he said.

Nick said it was a lesson to all that “we are all just numbers in the system”.

“The sooner you realise this, the better off you will be.”

The post quickly drew a mix of reactions. Some argued recognition was enough, while many others expressed disbelief and anger.

“This is so pathetic. A bank can’t afford to give her more than she deserves? 45 years for goodness sake,” one commenter wrote.

Several users shared similar experiences of minimal acknowledgment for lifelong service.

“My dad worked for a multimillion-dollar company for 45 years and once got 2 movie tickets,” one said.

“Disgraceful. Like my dad, 50 loyal years with one employer, never took a sick day and they gave him an empty whiskey decanter. My dad doesn’t drink,” another added.