Contractors ask: Are we training our replacements?

More than 200 contract workers who helped train and refine Google’s artificial intelligence products have been laid off by outsourcing firm GlobalLogic in recent weeks, raising concerns over job security, pay disparities, and alleged retaliation against unionisation efforts.

The affected employees, known as “super raters” and generalist raters, were responsible for evaluating responses generated by Google’s AI models, including the Gemini chatbot and AI Overviews in search. These workers, many with master’s degrees or PhDs, reviewed and rated AI outputs for accuracy, naturalness, and compliance with guidelines, a critical step in improving system reliability.

According to workers, those directly employed by GlobalLogic were paid between USD 28 and USD 32 per hour, while subcontractors performing similar work earned only USD 18 to USD 22 per hour. Some generalist raters reportedly received even lower wages despite being assigned complex tasks.

Contractors said the layoffs took place in at least two rounds in August. Many were given little or no notice before their contracts were terminated. One worker, Andrew Lauzon, stated that he received an email on August 15 citing a “ramp-down on the project” as the reason for ending his contract. Lauzon joined the company in March 2024.

Some workers allege that those who advocated for better pay, working conditions, or unionisation were among those targeted in the layoffs. Formal complaints have been filed with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), with workers claiming they faced suppression for seeking pay transparency and collective bargaining.

Google responded by clarifying that the laid-off individuals were not direct employees of the company, but contractors employed by GlobalLogic or its subcontractors, which are solely responsible for their pay, benefits, and workplace policies. GlobalLogic has not publicly commented on the issue.

The layoffs have drawn attention to the growing reliance on contract labour for key tasks in AI development. While these roles are essential for ensuring the quality and safety of AI systems, the abrupt job cuts and alleged inequities have raised questions about transparency and fairness in the AI workforce.

The incident highlights broader concerns around labour rights, pay parity, and the precarious nature of contract work in the technology industry, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.