8-Month Pregnant TikTok Employee Laid Off Without Warning

In a recent wave of layoffs sweeping the tech industry, an eight-month pregnant TikTok employee has come forward with her experience of being unexpectedly terminated. Despite receiving positive performance reviews and being just two months away from maternity leave, she was laid off without prior notice, leading to widespread concern and discussions about potential pregnancy discrimination in the workplace.

The employee shared her story on social media, expressing confusion and frustration over the sudden termination. She questioned whether her pregnancy or her status as a local employee contributed to the decision, stating, "I was laid off at 8 months pregnant with no warning. I've had decent reviews (no PIPs, solid feedback), so the timing feel suspicious."

This incident is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, which has seen over 53,000 job cuts in the first five months of 2025 alone. Major companies like Microsoft, Meta, CrowdStrike, and Block have been reducing their workforces, citing reasons such as AI-driven restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and federal downsizing.

TikTok's layoffs were announced through an internal memo from TikTok Shop head Mu Qing, who informed U.S. employees to work from home on a Wednesday, warning of "operational and personnel changes" starting that day. The affected teams included global key accounts and U.S. operations, which work closely with brands, creators, and merchants. Employees began receiving layoff notifications the following morning, although the exact number affected remains unclear. Mu described the layoffs as a necessary move to create more "efficient operating models" for the company's long-term success.

The pregnant employee's post has gone viral, sparking a conversation about the treatment of pregnant workers during mass layoffs. Many individuals have shared similar experiences, and the incident has raised questions about the adequacy of legal protections for pregnant employees in the face of widespread corporate downsizing.

As the tech industry continues to navigate economic challenges and restructuring, the experiences of employees like this TikTok worker highlight the need for companies to consider the human impact of their decisions, particularly on vulnerable populations such as expectant mothers. The conversation this case has sparked online shows a growing call for more humane and equitable workplace policies.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)