‘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 four banks.

Nick, who shares his stories on TikTok as @dreamfueltribe, revealed his mother had been employed for 45 years at Commonwealth Bank, 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.

In a statement on Thursday, a CBA spokesperson said the bank has a recognition program for long-serving employees.

“While we are not able to comment on the individual circumstances of current or former employees, we do have a longstanding service recognition program designed to celebrate and reward the tenure of our people,” the spokesperson said.

“In the case of significant milestones such as 45 years, our people receive a personal email of recognition while celebrations can include a range of events such as morning or afternoon teas hosted by a senior leader, lunches, dinners and gifts such as flowers.

“Employees also benefit from our staff rewards scheme through the provision of points that have a dollar value at 10, 20, 30 and 40 years of service.

“For eligible employees who reach 40 years of service, they receive 4000 recognition points, which is equal to $4000 in value.”

According the company, depending on their tenure, employees receive a service pin to wear at work and can use recognition points to access discounted deals on goods and services through partner retailers, hospitality, travel, and entertainment companies.

Commonwealth Bank posted a $5.4bn profit in its half-year results reported in February. Cash profits were up 6 per cent on the first six months of the previous financial year and statutory net profits up by 5 per cent.

The bank’s chief executive Matt Comyn said at the time that a strong labour market and – until recently – easing interest rates had provided some relief for borrowers and improved the bank’s credit quality.

He said economic growth had strengthened in the half, which was driven by “increases in consumer demand and rising investment in AI and energy infrastructure”.

“Supply side constraints mean that the economy is struggling to meet this increased demand,” Mr Comyn said.

“As a result, inflation is now expected to remain above the Reserve Bank’s target band for some time, placing further upward pressure on interest rates.”