In an attempt to pull at the heartstrings, MasterCard teamed up with Expedia to surprise a hard working woman with a vacation.
The results didn't go over well.
In a new ad for MasterCard, we are introduced to a worker named Kate. Her boss tells us she hasn't taken a vacation in five and a half years as text appears on screen reading, "50% of workers feel guilty asking for vacation days."
Kate is called into a conference room with her boss and an unknown professional looking woman who begins asking Kate about taking one day off in five years. Kate looks increasingly worried when the woman announces that "one day off is unacceptable."
As Kate's face sinks, and she turns to her boss thinking she is in trouble, the other woman announces Kate is getting a "real vacation" courtesy of MasterCard and Expedia. Kate breaks down in tears and hugs her boss.
Cue the violins.
Now we don't know for sure if this is a true story or if these are paid actors, (if so, someone get Kate and the other woman their own shows, cause they nail it!) but we are going to assume it is real life.
In which case, people are having some major issues.
As much as we appreciate the warm fuzzies and we are happy Kate is finally getting her vacay, there are some serious issues here at play.
There were lots of feelings around this.
All the wrong ones for a feel good PR piece.
This is a real problem for working folks.
Kate, if you are out there, we hope when you get back from your vacation you are offered a raise.
HBO