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AI tokens emerge as salary package item, fuelling Silicon Valley debate

A debate is spreading in Silicon Valley over adding AI tokens to annual pay packages alongside salary, stock options and bonuses. Supporters see token budgets as a new reward that can raise engineer productivity by funding more generative AI use. Critics warn companies may be substituting compute for cash and could demand higher output. Concerns also include how token costs affect staffing decisions and whether tokens lack vesting and long-term value.