It looks like some of the drama from Elon Musk’s 2022 takeover of Twitter — now X — might finally be wrapping up. After more than two years of waiting, thousands of former Twitter employees who were laid off shortly after Musk’s acquisition may soon see their long-delayed severance checks.
According to a recent court filing, both Musk’s X and the former employees involved in the class-action lawsuit have asked for a pause on upcoming hearings. Why? They’re reportedly ironing out the details of a tentative settlement that could finally bring closure to one of the biggest corporate layoff controversies in recent memory.
Here’s a quick rewind. Back in late 2022, after Musk officially acquired Twitter, the platform went through a massive shake-up. Over 6,000 employees — about 80% of the workforce — were laid off in what was dubbed the “Twitter purge.” At the time, Musk promised workers three months of severance pay, but many employees alleged they received less than promised, and some claim they didn’t get a single dime.
The employees argued that, based on Twitter’s severance policy set in 2019, they were entitled to far more generous packages — up to six months of base pay for senior employees, plus an extra week of pay for each year of service. Naturally, this sparked a wave of frustration, legal battles, and headlines.
Fast forward to July of this year: a U.S. District Judge in San Francisco ruled in Musk’s favor, stating that the billionaire wasn’t legally obligated to uphold Twitter’s previous severance agreements. Not surprisingly, the ex-employees appealed that ruling and were gearing up for another round of legal arguments in the coming weeks. That is, until this recent filing signaled that both sides might be ready to call a truce — or at least work out a deal that finally puts some money in the pockets of those laid off.
The details of the settlement haven’t been made public yet, so we don’t know how much former staff might walk away with. But for many, any resolution after this lengthy battle could feel like a bittersweet victory — closure, even if it’s not the full amount they once expected.
One thing’s for sure: this saga is a cautionary tale about corporate transitions in the high-stakes world of tech. It’s also a reminder of how rapidly things can change in Silicon Valley — from cushy jobs with promising stock options to pink slips and lawsuits, sometimes in a matter of weeks.
For now, all eyes will be on the final settlement terms and whether Musk and the former employees can officially put this chapter of Twitter’s turbulent history behind them.
About the Author
