Two years ago, Twitter’s then-CEO Elon Musk sent an email to employees telling them to click “yes” to indicate they agreed to work in an “extremely hostile” environment, warning them that if they refused they would be fired and given three months’ severance pay.
A former senior executive at Ireland-based Twitter Inc. sued for unfair dismissal for failing to click “yes,” and the Irish Workplace Relations Commission has ruled in his favour.
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Twitter forced to pay $600,000 to former employee for wrongful termination
The commission found that Gary Rooney’s refusal to agree to the ultimatum did not amount to resignation, and RTE said the company was therefore not justified in sacking him.
The commission ordered a former employee who worked for the social media platform for nine years to pay $600,000 to Mr X.
In an email titled “Crossroads,” Musk told employees that the “harsh” working conditions they would be facing would include “long hours of intense work.” Workers were given 24 hours to accept or reject the new conditions.
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Musk did not testify, despite plaintiff Gary Rooney asking the WRC to use its powers to compel him to attend as a witness https://t.co/84jj7qMgfX
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) August 13, 2024
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Twitter had argued that Rooney’s failure to click “yes” showed he was aware he was stepping down.
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The committee determined that Musk’s 24-hour deadline did not give staff enough time to consider their options and make an informed decision about their jobs.
Commission officer Michael McNamee said there were no grounds to justify Mr Rooney’s dismissal and that it was unfair.