I know first hand small employers that had employees go on parental leave, hired replacements, and then without too much hassle could keep the replacements and

I know first hand small employers that had employees go on parental leave, hired replacements, and then without too much hassle could keep the replacements and fire the one on leave, because there are many exceptions you can do as a small employer. So I find your entire rant confusing and not matching my experience. I’ve been on parental leave myself and my small employer hired a replacement, and by the time I got back we were both needed because they ran a successful and expanding business.