Manager's brutal reply to worker calling in sick with gastro

Published: 08:21, 24 July 2026 | Updated: 08:21, 24 July 2026 A Reddit user has gone viral after exposing their manager's brutal response to calling in sick with gastro. After they started showing symptoms following a gastro outbreak at another workplace, the employee said they weren't sure they could work the following day.  But rather than being sympathetic, the manager replied bluntly: 'No way.'  Gastro, or gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious illness that causes symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.  The exchange became even more bizarre when the manager insisted the employee should have given a week's notice, adding: 'You are the one who picked the shift.'  The manager then sent a message to all staff to remind them staff were expected to work rostered shifts and saying the boss was 'sick' of people failing to show up.  'Attention!!!! This message is for everyone,' the manager wrote.  'As I have told everyone hundreds of times, you need to do your rostered shift as per contract and update your availability every week.' A Reddit user has gone viral after sharing a text exchange showing their manager's harsh response to calling in sick with gastro The screenshots quickly sparked outrage.  'This is dumb management. Let alone breaching employment laws and anti-bullying laws, how little sympathy,' one said.  'Sick leave is advised, not requested. You don't have to ask for permission. You are just sick,' another added.  Others pointed out the illness could spread.  'Do they realise how highly contagious it is and how no one will be showing up to work for a day if you do?' one wrote.  'If someone has gastro, the last place they should be is at work - especially if they're handling food or dealing with customers.'