OpenAI staffers are calling for the resignation of the OpenAI board and threatening to quit themselves, after a tumultuous weekend that began with the surprise ouster of CEO Sam Altman and ended with Altman being hired by Microsoft.

OpenAI staffers are calling Altman’s firing mishandled, failing to provide sufficient evidence for claims that Altman had not been candid with the board, and “negotiating in bad faith” with the company’s executive leadership.

According to the employee, “Your actions have demonstrated your incapacity to supervise OpenAI.” Our mission and employees depend on us working with individuals who are competent, judgemental, and care about them.

Furthermore, the employees warned that they would “imminently” follow Altman to Microsoft unless the board resigns and reinstates Altman and Brockman, who was also removed on Friday.

Mira Murati, who was named Altman’s interim successor by the board on Friday, is one of the signatories, as is Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s co-founder, chief scientist, and board member reported to have played a role in Altman’s dismissal. Murati’s promotion was overshadowed by the appointment of Emmett Shear as interim CEO.

The day after the letter emerged, Sutskever posted an apology on X acknowledging his role in the leadership crisis, which appeared to revolve around tensions between Altman and the board over the pace and scope of AI development.

The board’s actions deeply regret my participation in them, he said. “I never intended to harm OpenAI. I love everything we’ve built together and I will do everything I can to reunite the company.”

Altman’s loyal following and Microsoft’s opportunity to profit from the situation are also underscored by OpenAI’s most senior employees. According to the letter, “Microsoft has assured us that there are positions available for all OpenAI employees.”.