Facebook settles a $52 million payout for moderators who developed PTSD on the job
In a preliminary settlement filed on May 8 in San Mateo Superior Court, Facebook has agreed to pay $52 million to current and former moderators to compensate them for mental health issues developed on the job. The social network also agreed to provide more counseling to moderators while they work.
The settlement, which covers 11,250 moderators working in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida from 2015 to present, provides each to receive a minimum of $1,000. They will also be eligible for additional compensation if they are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related conditions. The amount of money a moderator will receive beyond the initial $1,000 will depend on their diagnosis.
In September 2018, former Facebook moderator Selena Scola sued the social network, claiming she developed symptoms of PTSD after nine months on the job. The complaint, which was ultimately joined by several other former Facebook moderators working in four states, alleged that Facebook had failed to provide them with a safe workspace.
“We are grateful to the people who do this important work to make Facebook a safe environment for everyone,” Facebook said in a statement. “We’re committed to providing them additional support through this settlement and in the future.”
