Over 200 Google AI Contract Workers Laid Off Amid Growing Concerns

 More than 200 contract workers supporting Google’s AI development have recently lost their jobs, according to Wired. The layoffs were carried out by GlobalLogic, an outsourcing firm that manages much of Google’s AI rating work.

Google contract workers laid off

These workers played a crucial role in refining Google’s Gemini chatbot and improving AI-generated summaries in Google Search. Their tasks—known as “AI rating”—involved checking chatbot responses for accuracy, clarity, and reliability. Many of these “super raters” had advanced degrees in fields like teaching, writing, and research.

Despite their expertise, workers reported low pay, tight deadlines, and limited job security. Some allege their efforts were used to train AI models that could eventually automate their roles. Internal documents reviewed by Wired suggest GlobalLogic has been developing tools to replace parts of the raters’ work.

The cuts also highlight rising labour unrest. Over the past year, contractors pushed for fair pay and transparency, with some exploring unionisation under the Alphabet Workers Union. Several complaints have since been filed with the US labour board, alleging unfair dismissal after workers raised concerns about conditions.

A pay gap has also sparked frustration: GlobalLogic employees reportedly earned $28–$32 an hour, while agency-hired contractors made only $18–$22 for the same work. Generalist raters, with lower pay, were sometimes asked to take on complex projects.

Google has distanced itself from the dispute, stating the workers were employed by GlobalLogic or subcontractors, not Alphabet. GlobalLogic has declined to comment.

Labour experts note this reflects a wider trend in the AI industry, where contract workers drive progress but face low wages, poor protections, and job insecurity. Similar issues have surfaced among data labelers in Kenya and content moderators in Turkey and Colombia, many of whom are also pushing for better rights.