Elon Musk’s X has agreed to try to settle claims by thousands of former Twitter employees who say they were cheated of severance pay when the billionaire laid them off after acquiring the social media platform last year.
“After 10 months of pressing them in every direction, we have succeeded in getting Twitter to the table,” lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan wrote in the memo to her clients, which was obtained from a former Twitter employee who refused to be identified.
“Twitter wants to mediate with us in a global attempt to settle all claims we have filed.”
The company, formerly known as Twitter, has been accused of labour and workplace offences in several cases, including a failure to pay severance wages to thousands of workers fired late last year after Mr Musk’s $44 billion acquisition.
About 2,000 former Twitter employees have resorted to fighting their claims in arbitration as the company has demanded, but Ms Liss-Riordan has complained in court filings that Twitter has not shown up.
X is complying with a court order to mediate, a source said.
The private negotiations with a mediator are set for December 1 and December 2, according to Ms Liss-Riordan’s memo.
“We are very proud to be representing nearly 2,000 former Twitter employees in individual arbitrations, as well as more than a dozen class action lawsuits in court,” Ms Liss-Riordan said on Wednesday night.
“We are working hard to recover what they are owed.”
She declined to elaborate or comment specifically on the scheduled mediation.
X representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment, sent after regular business hours.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
