In a stunning display of employee solidarity, hundreds of OpenAI employees have threatened to resign and follow their ousted CEO, Sam Altman, to Microsoft unless the current board steps down. This mass exodus, if it comes to fruition, would deal a devastating blow to OpenAI, a non-profit research company dedicated to developing safe and beneficial artificial intelligence.
The catalyst for this unprecedented move was the abrupt firing of Altman on Friday, November 17th. The board, citing a lack of transparency and communication, made the decision to remove Altman, a co-founder and the company’s driving force since its inception. This decision sent shockwaves through the ranks of OpenAI, with many employees questioning the board’s motives and expressing deep concern for the company’s future without Altman at the helm.
In a letter addressed to the board, over 700 of OpenAI’s approximately 770 employees expressed their unwavering support for Altman and their disapproval of the board’s actions. The letter, a scathing critique of the board’s leadership, accused them of incompetence, poor judgment, and a lack of care for the company’s mission and employees.
“We are unable to work for or with people that lack competence, judgment and care for our mission and employees,” the letter stated.
The employees’ ultimatum was clear: either the board resigns, or they will join Altman at Microsoft. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, has reportedly assured OpenAI employees that there are positions available for them if they choose to leave.
The potential loss of such a significant portion of its workforce would be crippling for OpenAI. The company’s success hinges on the talent and expertise of its researchers, engineers, and scientists. Without them, OpenAI’s ability to develop and advance AI technologies would be severely hampered.
The board’s decision to oust Altman has thrown OpenAI into turmoil and placed its future in jeopardy. The employees’ mass exodus threat is a stark reminder of the importance of leadership and the power of a united workforce. The board now faces a critical decision: either heed the employees’ demands or risk losing the very people who make OpenAI a world-leading AI research institution.
