WorldCom Bonuses Approved

Wednesday, October 30, 2002; Page E02

WorldCom won a bankruptcy judge's approval to pay $25 million in bonuses to 325 executives and other employees whom the company wants to keep as it reorganizes. Bonuses will be paid in three installments and come to $20,000 to $125,000 per employee. The plan excludes the company's four most senior executives. In approving the request, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur Gonzalez said he received letters from WorldCom shareholders "questioning the fairness and wisdom" of the bonus payments but said the issue is whether they will enhance value for creditors.