Microsoft goofs, asks laid off workers to return some money

**Garland Greene** · 02-23-2009, 03:55 PM

[size=13pt]Office error: Microsoft asks laid-off workers for money back, says glitch inflated severance[/size]

By JESSICA MINTZ , Associated Press

February 23, 2009

SEATTLE - A few weeks after launching the first wide-scale layoffs in its history, Microsoft Corp. admits it screwed up a key part of the plan.

The company is asking some laid-off employees for a portion of their severance back, saying an administrative glitch caused the software maker to pay them too much.

Lou Gellos, a Microsoft spokesman, would not say how many of the 1,400 workers let go in January were overpaid, or by how much. Microsoft has said severance would be calculated by length of service and position in the company.

The Redmond, Wash.-based software maker is asking former employees for reimbursement, by check or money order, within two weeks, according to a redacted letter posted by the technology blog TechCrunch. Gellos confirmed the letter's authenticity.

They must of been using Vista :P

**SamOchoCinco** · 02-23-2009, 03:56 PM

microsoft shouldnt get a penny back.

you gave out the money. you shouldnt get it back.

**C Mac D** · 02-23-2009, 04:00 PM

"SamOchoCinco" wrote:

microsoft shouldnt get a penny back.

you gave out the money. you shouldnt get it back.

Can't really argue that... I mean, it had to get approved by someone, and THAT someone is responsible for this, not the laid-off employees.

Interesting though, the laid-off employees agreed to their severance packages. They did not agree to MORE money, so they may be legally entitled to give it back... not sure if they signed something upon departure of the company or not... but I think they usually make you sign something.

**V4L** · 02-23-2009, 04:04 PM

How the hell do u not notice extra money going out?

Must not have been that much at a toime

**gregair13** · 02-23-2009, 05:45 PM

Poor Microsoft. I guess they aren't making enough money from Vista, so need to cut people.

**jmcdon00** · 02-23-2009, 06:03 PM

"C" wrote:

"SamOchoCinco" wrote:

microsoft shouldnt get a penny back.

you gave out the money. you shouldnt get it back.

Can't really argue that... I mean, it had to get approved by someone, and THAT someone is responsible for this, not the laid-off employees.

Interesting though, the laid-off employees agreed to their severance packages. They did not agree to MORE money, so they may be legally entitled to give it back... not sure if they signed something upon departure of the company or not... but I think they usually make you sign something.

That would be my guess. I bet they all have to pay it back.
Oh well shit happens.