At least five employees have been fired by private rocket company SpaceX after drafting and distributing an open letter criticizing founder Elon Musk and urging startup executives to make the company’s work culture more inclusive, according to two people familiar with the matter.
SpaceX did not respond immediately to Reuters’ request for comment.
The New York Times reported on Thursday that SpaceX had fired employees associated with the letter, citing three employees familiar with the situation.
It did not provide details on the number of employees who were fired.
SpaceX President Gwyn Shotwell sent an email saying the company was investigating and “terminating a number of employees involved” in the letter, according to the New York Times.
The newspaper said Shotwell’s email said employees involved in distributing the letter had been fired for making other employees feel “uncomfortable, scared and harassed and / or angry because the letter forced them to sign.” something that does not reflect their views. “
Reuters could not independently confirm the report.
An earlier open letter to SpaceX executives seen by Reuters called Musk a “distraction and embarrassment” for the company he founded.
A list of three requests in the letter states: “SpaceX must quickly and explicitly separate itself from Elon’s personal brand.
It adds, “Keep all management equally responsible to make SpaceX a great place to work for everyone,” and “define and respond equally to all forms of unacceptable behavior.”
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