WASHINGTON - Time's Up has called on CBS' board to give Les Moonves' $120 million (R1.8 billion) severance to 'organisations that address sexual harassment and workplace safety'.
CBS Corp said on Monday that it would pay the $120 million to Moonves if an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment fails to provide grounds for his dismissal.
The network said in the filing that the settlement would be put in a trust within 30 days and that Moonves could end up with nothing if the result of the investigation went against him.
On Tuesday, Time's Up urged the network's board in a letter to 'create change' by donating the money instead of spending it 'unwisely'.
'That is $120 million dollars that will either go to Mr. Moonves or back into the coffers of the company that allowed the culture created by Mr. Moonves to continue,' the letter read.
'Or that $120 million can create change by going to organisations – and there are many impactful organizations – that can help women of all kinds.
'The choice is yours. But the answer is obvious. We ask that you not dishonor the bravery of those who have come forward by spending that money unwisely,' the letter continued.
The Time's Up movement urged the CBS board to make five commitments, including 'a full, independent investigation of any allegations of sexual harassment, regardless of whether the subject of the investigation resigns or departs. Those who come forward must also be protected from potential retaliation'.
According to the letter, Time's Up also asked for the network to establish a workplace culture that represents 'the values of safety, equity and dignity'.
A third ask was that CBS establish 'a hiring, promotion and retention policy that will create an inclusive workforce at all levels, and set and measure goals for achieving a workplace reflective of the American population'.
Time's Up also urged CBS to provide training at all levels of the company on the network's 'values, diversity and inclusion, and management skills, and commit to providing this training on a regular basis'.
Lastly, the movement asked that CBS undertake a 'pay equity study, and commit to closing any racial, ethnic or gender gaps'.
Moonves resigned from his position on Sunday following a fresh wave of allegations against him and 60 Minutes executive producer Jeff Fager.
Interim chief executive, Joseph Ianniello, took the helm of CBS on Monday. Meanwhile, Fager was a no-show at work on Monday.
A total of 12 women have alleged mistreatment from Moonves in a pair of stories in The New Yorker, including forced oral sex, groping and retaliation if they resisted him.
Moonves denied the charges, although he said he had consensual relations with three of the women.
But the former chief executive will stay on as an adviser to the board for two years.