
Mon Feb 24 09:35:42 UTC 2025: ## Meta Awards Executives Massive Bonuses After Laying Off 3,600 Employees
**MENLO PARK, CA –** Just days after announcing the layoff of 3,600 employees—five percent of its workforce—Meta has approved a significant increase in bonuses for its executives. According to a corporate filing, executive bonuses will now reach 200 percent of base salary, a dramatic leap from last year’s 75 percent. This comes amidst criticism from laid-off employees who claim the performance-based rationale for the layoffs was unfounded.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is not included in this new compensation plan. The company justified the substantial bonus increase, claiming it was necessary to remain competitive with industry norms and retain top talent. Meta stated that the revised compensation package brings executive pay to the median level within its peer group.
The move follows widespread backlash from employees who were let go, despite reportedly meeting performance expectations. Many have publicly criticized the company’s leadership and questioned the fairness of the layoffs. This controversy comes at a time when Zuckerberg has increasingly aligned himself with conservative figures, including having dinner with former President Trump and appointing a Republican to lead Meta’s public affairs. The company has also scaled back diversity initiatives and eased content moderation policies.
The juxtaposition of massive executive bonuses with recent widespread layoffs has sparked outrage and fueled further scrutiny of Meta’s leadership and business practices. The company’s explanations have so far failed to quell the controversy.