Meta Employees Left Unsettled After Mass Firings in “Grubgate” Incident

The technology company Meta is facing internal unrest following the termination of approximately two dozen employees, an incident that has been dubbed “Grubgate” on the workplace forum, Blind. According to Business Insider‘s reporting, reactions from employees on the platform ranged from sympathy for the fired colleagues to the belief that their dismissals were justified.

The firings are linked to the misuse of a $25 meal allowance intended for Meta employees, particularly at office locations without cafeteria services or after standard working hours. Insider sources indicate that some employees utilized this perk for non-food purchases like laundry detergent and wine glasses. While not all who violated the meal policy were dismissed, those with a history of abuse were reportedly let go.

Blind, an anonymous platform not affiliated with Meta, serves as a space where employees can discuss workplace issues. Access to specific company channels on Blind requires a company email, allowing employees to comment and participate in discussions. A poll on the platform questioned employees about their status in relation to “Grubgate,” asking if they felt “Safe from Grubgate” or were “Affected by Grubgate.”

Comments seen by Business Insider revealed both unease and criticism. “This action instills fear in employees,” remarked one user, highlighting concerns about inadvertently breaching company policies. They added, “It’s like taking away your driving license because you were going 55 instead of 50.” Meanwhile, others maintained a harsher stance, defending the enforcement of Meta’s policies.

One post detailed an employee’s account of using the Grubhub credit for a coworker who had been laid off, leading to their eventual termination. “My Grubhub account got deactivated first and then my intern account,” they revealed. Another post assessed Meta’s growing emphasis on policy compliance amidst its “year(s) of efficiency,” strategy.

The dismissals are not viewed in isolation, with some linking them to recent structural changes within Meta. These include reorganizations affecting major divisions like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reality Labs. These shifts have reportedly led to further staff reductions, clashing with Meta’s self-perception as a large company favoring small-scale entrepreneurship.

Interestingly, one commentator on Blind highlighted a contrasting viewpoint, stating, “These fools are so lucky… at least they know WHY they got laid off.” This sentiment underscores the broader context of uncertainty faced by employees in corporate environments.