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Microsoft Asks for Cash Back From Laid-Off Workers
If you've suffered the injustice of an unexpected layoff from your employer during these tough times, then our thoughts are with you. Even those of us who haven't lost our jobs have been affected somehow, and, sadly, Microsoft is doing its best to make sure that some of its former workers are more impacted than others. The company has sent letters to numerous laid-off people, indicating that the former employees actually owe the company money and are obligated to pay it back!
Microsoft is indicating that it accidentally overpaid a number of workers when sending them severance checks. The Redmond-based company followed up with memos indicating how much the ex-employees were overpaid and giving an address to which they can mail a check. No word on what happens if they don't pay the money back, but we doubt it's anything good. There is also no information on just how many folks received letters like this, or what the total overpayment was.
Regardless, it's a real kick in the pants for anyone still reeling from unemployment. But there is some good news. Apparently, some people were paid too little and will be getting a check. Perhaps, it all balances out. [From: CNET News]
Update: CNET is reporting that Microsoft is changing its tune and letting the workers keep the extra cash.
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Comments
29
Subscribe to commentsGerald NicholsFeb 24th 2009 9:29AM
Perhaps it is finally time to boycott Microsoft. Will be a difficult thing to do since the majority of the computers out there run on their product and the majority of the software is made by Microsoft or its subsidiaries. I'm getting pretty tired of companies wanting to take advantage of cheaper labor overseas or bringing in workers from overseas and letting go of the workers they already have so that they can replace them with foreign workers. Then to have the nerve to claim, after letting so many people go, that they can't find enough workers for the available jobs right here in this country. I put Microsoft right up there with the rest of the corrupt business and business people in this country. Time to start seeing if there are any volunteers for firing squads.
AngiebabyFeb 24th 2009 10:00AM
Might I suggest a compromise? Instead of trying to get money out of unemployed people, Microsoft might consider FIRING THE DUMBASS ACCOUNTANT/MONEY MANAGER who overspent the company's money.
JohnFeb 24th 2009 10:04AM
This is what happens to the big corporations after they stripped the American people of jobs and career opportunities. They sold America to the Foreign nations and that's where they need to go and get their money not from the people who help create the dynasty in America. I wouldn't send a dime of money back to microsoft. Tell them to go over seas and get it from the CEO's hiding out in their lavish resorts.
BrianFeb 24th 2009 10:07AM
America: Home of the litigious bastards and free handouts
Folks, this isn't Monopoly. There are no bank errors in your favor. If the bank mistakenly drops a few extra bills in your account, that doesn't mean you're entitled to profit from their mistake. It's not your money.
ShawnFeb 24th 2009 10:40AM
I would do what the Big Corporations do and file Bankruptcy then the workers would not be legally obligated to pay them back............
kleec524Mar 12th 2009 2:31PM
What happened to the payroll service or employees that sent the checks for the wrong amounts? Were they fired? Were they in another country?
The mistake was Microsoft's, not the employees. Get over it
MichaelMar 12th 2009 5:59PM
This is disgusting. It can be fixed though, here is how.
People should stick together.... consumers.... we should listen to what these companies are doing, and act accordingly. Granted, sometimes it is a choice of the lesser of two evils, but from now on I hope America realizes Dell's superiority (not to mention it hasn't offended the working class like Microsoft has) . So, America... I guarantee you we can fix these problems by using our purchasing power to thwart corporate america's attack on the middle class. They need our money to stay in business, plain and simple. One of the few exceptions to this rule are local utility companies, to which I say: If you don't want to support them either- go self sufficient- it will only cost a couple of thousand dollars and it WILL pay itself off, I promice.
CORPORATE AMERICA, YOU ARE DISGUSTING!
EllenMar 15th 2009 1:23PM
I would have a two word response. I would keep the letter for future reference, and throw the return envelope in the trash.
When you are bearly or not even able to keep yourself and your family in your home - and everyone is cold and hungry - what does it matter if they make a stink about getting "their" money back? They'll ruin your credit rating?? They'll have you arrested? Well, whatever!
jerseydevilconMar 19th 2009 5:58PM
The principal portions of these comments say much of what is wrong with America today.
People who think politicians are dishonest should look at some of the things they say and realize they are no different, and no better.
Its disgusting.
Pulling together does not mean presenting a unified front to cheat a company of undeserved money.
Your grandfathers would disown you for your utter lack of anything resembling ethics.