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Over 200 contractors who helped evaluate and improve Google’s AI products were abruptly laid off last month in at least two rounds of cuts, amid ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions.
These contractors, employed mainly by outsourcing firms like Hitachi-owned GlobalLogic, were responsible for rating, editing, and refining AI responses for tools such as Google’s Gemini chatbot and AI Overviews, a search summary feature.
Many workers allege the layoffs followed their protests over low wages and job insecurity, according to Wired.
These “super raters,” who often hold advanced degrees and come from creative or academic backgrounds, are critical to teaching AI systems how to produce more human-like and accurate responses. Despite the skilled nature of the work, many report being underpaid, with wages varying widely depending on their employer or contractor.
For example, GlobalLogic super raters earn between $28 and $32 per hour, while those hired via third-party contractors reportedly make as little as $18 to $22 per hour for the same tasks.
Workers also described increasingly difficult working conditions, including pressure to complete tasks within strict time limits that sacrifice quality for speed. Some employees have attempted to unionize to demand better pay and conditions, but these efforts were reportedly suppressed, with allegations of retaliation including firings and bans on employee communication channels.
Internal documents suggest GlobalLogic is training AI systems to eventually replace human raters, intensifying fears about job security. Meanwhile, mandatory office return policies have further strained workers, particularly those facing financial hardship or caregiving responsibilities.
Several laid-off workers and ongoing employees express concern that the company is using layoffs and workplace restrictions to silence organizing efforts. Two workers have filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging unfair dismissals tied to advocacy for wage transparency and workers’ rights.
Google has distanced itself from direct responsibility, stating these contractors are employed by third-party firms and emphasizing its supplier audits. However, workers describe a hostile atmosphere where raising concerns can lead to termination.
This situation echoes a growing pattern in the AI and tech sectors, where contractors fighting for fair treatment face retaliation. Globally, similar efforts to unionize and demand better conditions among AI data labelers and content moderators are underway, highlighting ongoing tensions between the rapid growth of AI technologies and the labor forces that support them.
