Woman's Video About Job Posting That Offered Wages Lower Than Legal Standards Goes Viral
The layoff wave in tech and other sectors has drastically reshaped the mindset of employees in the US by paving the way for economic uncertainties. Driven towards desperation by anxiety, job seekers are now falling prey to misleading advertisements offering employment. The story of Kate, a LinkedIn user turned TikTok sensation, sheds light on the alarming issue of workplace harassment perpetuated by low-paying job offers.
In a viral TikTok video, Kate eloquently narrates her ordeal with a job posting that not only belittled her skills but also offered an insultingly low salary range, per USTimesPost. The position labeled as "entry-level" demanded responsibilities far beyond the scope of such a designation. From managing complex HRIS systems to overseeing data integration efforts, the job description painted a picture of an arduous and demanding role.
What surprised Kate the most was the vast disparity between the offered salary and the market value of her skills. Drawing from her past experience where she performed a similar role for a renowned company, she disclosed earning $85,000 annually, a figure she deemed commensurate with the cost of living. However, the job she encountered on LinkedIn offered an hourly rate of a mere $15 to $18, a rate that fell egregiously below not only her expectations but also legal wage standards.
Kate's defiance against this injustice led her to report the job posting for harassment, which was an act of courage that resonated with countless individuals facing similar predicaments in the job market. Her revelation about the impending increase in California's minimum wage to $20 per hour underscored the egregiousness of the offered pay, highlighting the glaring disparity between the compensation offered and the state's legal wage requirements.
Others also shared their views with one user commenting, "This is so common in the job search anymore. I am begging for jobs that pay $15k less than I made before."
Another one wrote, "Interned here 12 years ago. The employees made so little they would literally eat the leftover catering food after the celeb meetings were over because they couldn’t afford to bring lunch."
Kate's case sheds light on a broader issue of workplace harassment disguised in the form of exploitative job offers. By misleading job seekers with ambiguous job titles and inadequate compensation, employers perpetuate a cycle of financial insecurity and undervaluation of labor. Moreover, such practices contribute to widening income inequalities and hinder socio-economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities already facing systemic barriers to employment. Workplace harassment extends beyond overt acts of discrimination or misconduct; it encompasses any form of mistreatment or exploitation that undermines an individual's dignity and rights.
@leftistmommy You will NOT believe the pay range for this job #linkedin #jobtok #livingwage #workingmoms #careertok ♬ original sound - Kate
To combat workplace harassment, concerted efforts are needed from both regulatory authorities and civil society. Implementing stringent measures to penalize employers who engage in deceptive hiring practices is imperative to safeguarding the rights of workers. In addition to all that, promoting transparency in job advertisements and advocating for fair wages are essential steps for creating a more equitable and inclusive job market.
You can follow Kate (leftistmommy) on TikTok for similar content.