Meta Platforms Inc. is raising pay for some contract workers in the United States by an average of 20%, a reversal from a plan last year to eliminate the practice of paying above minimum wage.
The move, effective immediately, will increase pay for about 60 contractors in Meta’s Reality Labs division, which is responsible for developing virtual and augmented reality products. The increase will bring their hourly wages to between $20 and $30, up from a minimum of $18. Meta has about 78,000 full-time employees.
The company had previously planned to eliminate the above-minimum pay practice as part of a broader effort to cut costs and streamline its workforce. However, Meta has faced criticism from some contractors who said they were being underpaid and that the company was exploiting their labor. In response, Meta said it would review its pay practices and consider making changes.
The pay increase for the Reality Labs contractors is a sign that Meta is taking the concerns of its contract workers more seriously. It also comes as the company is facing increasing competition for talent from other tech companies, many of which are offering higher salaries and benefits to attract and retain workers.
In addition to the pay increase, Meta is also providing the Reality Labs contractors with access to benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. The company said it is committed to providing a fair and equitable workplace for all of its employees, including contract workers.
The pay increase is a welcome development for the affected contractors, who have been calling for better pay and benefits for years. It is also a sign that Meta is listening to the concerns of its contract workforce and is taking steps to address them.
Meta’s decision to raise pay for its Reality Labs contractors is a positive step, but it is important to remember that contract workers still face many challenges. They are often paid less than full-time employees, have fewer benefits, and are more likely to be laid off during economic downturns. Meta should continue to work to improve the working conditions of its contract workforce and ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably..
