X, Owned By Elon Musk, Charged with Violating US Labor Laws Regarding Employee Dismissal

Elon Musk, owner of X, was charged with violating federal law. (photo: twitter @Kristennetten)

JAKARTA - Elon Musk's Company "X" (formerly known as Twitter), was charged by the United States National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) with violating federal law which prohibits the punishment of employees who communicate and organize with their colleagues about working conditions. 

According to the complaint filed by the NLRB regional director, the dispute began on November 10, 2022, when Musk ordered employees back to the office in November last year. They reportedly said, "if you are physically able to come to the office and you do not show up, resignation is accepted."

Employee Yao Yue responded with a post on Twitter telling colleagues, "Don't resign, let him fire you." A few days later, Yao Yue was fired on charges of violating the National Labor Relations Act.

Elon Musk completed his acquisition of Twitter in October last year and preceded it with a number of layoffs, including top executives. He also laid off more than half of his employees as a cost-cutting measure.

The company is facing a series of lawsuits stemming from the firings, including accusations that it targeted women and workers with disabilities and did not pay promised severance pay to fired employees.

The company denies any wrongdoing in the cases it has responded to.