In a recent development, X, formerly known as Twitter, has reportedly settled a prolonged dispute by paying off the staff it laid off in its African headquarters over a year ago. The employees, based in Accra, Ghana, had faced job termination just months after joining the company, leading to legal threats for the promised redundancy payments.
The social media platform, now under the ownership of Elon Musk, underwent a massive global employee reduction, affecting more than 6,000 individuals. The African staff, numbering fewer than 20, found themselves laid off shortly after relocating to X’s new office in Accra. Agency Seven Seven, the legal representative for the affected staff, successfully secured a redundancy settlement and repatriation expenses, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Last year, the sacked employees shared their challenges, citing negative impacts on mental health and finances due to X’s treatment. Despite initial assurances of a one-month paid notice period, the staff faced immediate lockdowns from work systems and subsequent payment delays. The situation left those who had relocated from neighboring countries stranded in Ghana.
Elon Musk, acknowledging the extensive layoffs, claimed that three months’ severance pay was provided to the affected employees. However, the African staff contested not receiving these payments. Negotiations between X and the sacked Africa staff reportedly commenced only after the BBC covered the story.
Conclusion:
With the recent settlement, the affected staff members express relief and look forward to moving on from the challenging period. The resolution sheds light on the complexities faced by employees during corporate transitions and the importance of legal representation in safeguarding their rights. This case adds to the broader narrative of employment challenges amidst significant corporate overhauls, emphasizing the need for transparency and fair treatment in such scenarios.
