Viral: Employee gets fired while battling cancer for 'productivity issues'

Today the conversations around workplace ethics , and employee rights are getting popular everyday, stories of corporate callousness still find their way into the headlines and public consciousness. Whether it's quiet firings, toxic micromanagement, or discrimination portrayed as "performance issues," workers across the globe are more and more turning to online platforms to share their experiences and seek validity and solutions.

The subreddit r/antiwork, in particular, has become a kind of digital town square, where stories of corporate workers are discussed. Recently, one such post shook many where a cancer patient was allegedly fired by his employer while undergoing chemotherapy.


Fired for less productivity during Chemotherapy

A former claims analyst who worked for over three years at HealthPlus Insurance has filed a complaint against the company after he was allegedly fired during chemotherapy for "productivity issues." In a Reddit post on the r/antiwork forum, the employee described the situation as "the most dehumanising work experience" of his life.
Diagnosed with Stage 2 lymphoma in the fall of 2024, he approached management with documentation from his oncologist recommending remote work to reduce his risk of infection during chemotherapy. Initially met with apparent support, his request was soon denied once HR got involved.

"Remote work is a privilege, not an accommodation," he was told, even though the same department had worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a compromise, the company offered unpaid medical leave only for chemo appointments and required in-office attendance on other days.

When he cited the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the company’s HR director allegedly claimed HealthPlus was exempt due to employing fewer than 50 people. This turned out to be incorrect. After hiring a lawyer, it was found that HealthPlus had 53 employees, making them subject to ADA compliance.

"I got a lawyer. Turns out they had 53 employees (they counted part-timers differently), making them subject to ADA. Yesterday, we filed with the EEOC," he wrote. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is now investigating the case.


His performance was review while being inflicted with the disease

Following his second chemo cycle and during a period when his white blood cell count was at its lowest that caused him decreased immunity , he was placed on a performance improvement plan. Shortly after, he was fired for not meeting productivity goals. HealthPlus allegedly continued to challenge his unemployment claim, arguing it was a "for cause" termination.
Social media reactions

The Reddit post quickly went viral, drawing sympathy and anger from readers. One user wrote, "Hey, congrats on the lawsuit... I hope your health is better and hope you find better people in your future. What assholes."

Another added, "It's not ironic, this is literally what I would expect of an insurance company. They don't give a f**k about your actual health, they just want to cut costs/risk no matter what."

The employee concluded his post by writing, “This company's entire business is HEALTH INSURANCE, but they couldn't show basic humanity to someone going through cancer treatment. Companies don't deserve loyalty. Ever.”