Hi WordPress Community,
I’m reaching out with a serious concern regarding a company listed on WordPress.org that develops and sells WordPress and Divi plugins. I worked for them as a front-end developer for 7 years, starting in 2015. I was one of their first employees. In 2022, due to “financial issues” within the company, I was not paid for several months. I agreed to defer my salary temporarily, but despite promises, I only received a portion of what I was owed. By the end of 2022, after repeated assurances that I would be paid after Black Friday—which never happened—I decided to leave the job.
Since April of this year, both CEOs have completely stopped responding to my messages and even blocked me on social media. As far as I know, they also owe money to other employees and business partners.
Since they continue to distribute their products through WordPress.org, I’m wondering if such behavior aligns with the WordPress Code of Conduct. Does WordPress have any processes to address companies using the platform while engaging in unethical practices like not paying employees? Any guidance on what steps can be taken would be greatly appreciated.