Microsoft backtracks on severance issue

Microsoft in the middle of lye waves criticism, Microsoft backtracking on the decision to ask the laid off workers to pay back the money that the software maker said the plan was less than the cutting.

View results

Over the weekend, Microsoft confirmed it is cutting to some underpaid workers and others. At that time, the company did not say how much money is involved, but that the workers sent a letter of claim they will be required to pay back the excess money from them because of the cutting.

On Monday, Microsoft HR chief Lisa Brummel said the company is reversing course.

"I thought it was not reasonable for us to continue on the road at us," he told CNET News. Twenty-five workers and about 20 more underpaid, Microsoft said.

Brummel said that he had spoken or left a message to those who are most affected.

Brummel said the more received, on average, about $ 4000 or $ 5000 in extra pay.

"I have now called 22 of 25 employees affected, not only because I have time for three but I will hang up after us," said Brummel.

In general, said Brummel reasonable for companies to get money back if you make an accounting mistake, but he recognizes the extraordinary situation that is one. Brummel said the company was more at one point during her long tenure.

"This really happened to me and I write a company check," he said. "It may happen to other people."

Later on Monday Microsoft issued the following statement about this:

Last week, 25 former employees of Microsoft has been informed that they are as part of their cutting payments from the company. This is a mistake to us. We must handle this situation in a more tactful way. We will reach those who are affected to relay that we will not ask for payment from the individual.

Microsoft also said that the company is immediately reimbursing employees underpaid.