Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pushing for a $56 billion pay package while the company faces layoffs and financial challenges. Musk apologized for incorrectly low severance packages for laid-off employees, but this comes after a history of shortchanging former employees. The company's decision to abandon the Model 2 in favor of a "robotaxi" has disappointed investors, leading to a significant drop in Tesla's stock value.
Some laid-off Tesla workers received notifications that their separation agreements had been canceled, with new ones expected, following Elon Musk's acknowledgment of incorrectly low severance packages. The packages didn't seem to account for the length of employment, and some workers had yet to receive any information about severance. This comes after Musk announced plans to cut over 10% of Tesla's workforce, triggering concerns about compliance with labor laws.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk apologized after some laid-off employees received incorrectly low severance packages, following the company's announcement of a 10% job cut. The issue was brought to Musk's attention, prompting immediate correction. With over 140,400 employees, the layoffs could affect up to 14,000 people. Tesla cited the need to streamline operations amid rapid growth and technological advancements. This comes as the company reported a decline in quarterly deliveries and prepares for the launch of its next-generation vehicle platform.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk apologized for incorrectly low severance packages sent to some of the over 14,000 employees laid off this week, as the company issued its largest round of layoffs in its 20-year history. Workers were notified via email and some discovered their unemployment only upon being turned away by security at the door. The severance agreement offered two months of pay and health insurance, but required ex-employees to sign a contract within five days, prohibiting them from joining lawsuits against the company or sharing trade secrets. Tesla stock slid after being downgraded by Deutsche Bank, and the company has seen several high-level departures amidst the layoffs.
Elon Musk apologized to laid-off Tesla employees for incorrectly low severance packages, following the announcement of a 10% workforce reduction. Some workers were offered two months' pay as severance, below the minimum required by law. The mass layoffs coincide with Tesla's sales slowdown and increasing competition in China. Additionally, the company has lost senior executives amid the cuts, and Musk is facing lawsuits from former Twitter executives over unpaid severance.
Elon Musk apologized to former Tesla employees for incorrectly low severance packages sent as part of the company's recent workforce reduction, acknowledging the mistake and assuring that it is being corrected immediately.
Elon Musk sent an internal email acknowledging that Tesla had sent out incorrectly low severance packages to some laid-off employees, apologizing for the mistake and assuring that it was being corrected. The company recently announced a workforce reduction of over 10% and is undergoing a restructuring to prepare for future growth. Tesla's shift in strategy towards robotaxi development and declining first-quarter deliveries have contributed to a challenging year, with Musk seeking approval for a new CEO pay package equivalent to his previous record compensation plan.
Former employees of video game company BioWare are suing the company for allegedly refusing to provide fair severance packages. The employees, who had an average of 14 years of service, claim that BioWare offered less than the entitled amount and refused to negotiate. They are seeking fairer severance packages and punitive damages. BioWare had previously undergone layoffs, including key writers, and the employees are concerned about finding work during the holiday season.
Health insurance company Centene plans to lay off approximately 2,000 employees, representing just over 3% of its workforce, starting on October 2. The decision comes as Centene aims to improve its cost structure and ensure it has the necessary talent and expertise to support its members and evolving business needs. Impacted employees will receive severance packages and outplacement services.
Reed Smith, a top 50 Am Law firm, is cutting about 2% of its global workforce, impacting around 50 employees, including 20 staff members and 30 lawyers. The firm cited a reduced level of demand for legal services across the industry as the reason for the layoffs. Impacted individuals are being offered individualized severance benefits and outplacement services. Severance packages for affected individuals are based on seniority, ranging from two to four months of benefits.
Spotify is laying off around 200 employees, or 2% of its workforce, as part of a pivot in how it handles partnerships with podcasters. The move is aimed at better supporting the creator community. The affected employees will receive generous severance packages. Spotify has heavily invested in its podcast unit in recent years, including four acquisitions in the podcast space since 2020.
Crypt of the NecroDancer developer Brace Yourself Games has laid off around 50% of its staff, with the exact number of employees affected not confirmed. The studio has stated that it is providing severance packages and support services to those impacted by the decision. Brace Yourself Games has also reportedly "shelved" a number of its unannounced projects. This comes as several other gaming studios, including Deviation Games and Ubisoft, have also recently announced staff cuts.
Three former Twitter executives, including the ex-CEO, ex-CFO, and ex-chief legal officer, are suing the company for over $1 million in legal fees as they battle Elon Musk over unpaid severance packages. The executives claim that Twitter has refused to pay their legal expenses related to shareholder lawsuits and inquiries from the SEC and Justice Department. The lawsuit is another allegation against Twitter for delayed payments following Musk's takeover of the company. Musk terminated the executives with cause and was not obligated to provide them with the expected multimillion-dollar severance packages.
Recent layoffs at companies like Salesforce and Meta have shown that even good severance packages and transparent communication cannot soften the blow for workers. While some leaders have received praise for their compassionate layoff strategies, others have faced backlash. A ZipRecruiter survey found that more than half of laid-off workers were caught by surprise. While a "good" layoff may be a myth, sweeping job cuts can be done well if the tone and execution are right. A generous severance package can also go a long way in softening the blow. Transparency and solid communication are key to maintaining employee morale and retention.
