More than 200 contractors working on Google’s artificial intelligence projects have been laid off in recent weeks, raising fresh concerns about the precarious nature of outsourced tech labor. According to a Wired report, the job cuts were carried out by GlobalLogic, the outsourcing firm responsible for much of Google’s AI evaluation work. For many affected workers, the layoffs reinforced their long-standing fear that they were effectively training AI systems that could eventually render their own roles obsolete.
The dismissed workers were tasked with refining responses from Google’s Gemini chatbot and reviewing AI-generated summaries used in Google Search. This work, commonly known as “AI rating,” involved checking if the answers were factually accurate, natural, and sourced from credible references. Many of these “super raters” held advanced degrees and came from professional fields such as education, research, and writing.
Despite the specialized expertise required, workers reported low wages, limited security, and intense deadlines. Some alleged that GlobalLogic was actively developing AI tools capable of automating the rating process itself. “I was just cut off,” said contractor Andrew Lauzon, who received an email on August 15 ending his assignment. “I asked for a reason, and they said ramp-down on the project, whatever that means.”
The dismissals follow a year of growing unrest among Google’s contract workforce. Several raters had pushed for improved pay and transparency, while others raised concerns about strict time limits that prioritized speed over quality. A group even considered unionizing under the Alphabet Workers Union, though workers claim those efforts were discouraged. At least two have since filed complaints with the U.S. labor board, alleging retaliation for speaking out.
Pay disparities also surfaced as a point of contention. GlobalLogic employees reportedly earned $28 to $32 per hour, while those contracted through third-party agencies made just $18 to $22 for identical work. Generalist raters—who were paid even less—were sometimes pulled into complex tasks without additional compensation.
While a few full-time GlobalLogic staff enjoy better stability, most workers remain on short-term contracts without benefits or paid leave, leaving many fearful of speaking up. “It’s just been an oppressive atmosphere,” one rater remarked.
Google has distanced itself from the issue. “These individuals are employees of GlobalLogic or their subcontractors, not Alphabet,” spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said. “As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees.” GlobalLogic declined to comment.
Labor experts say the controversy highlights a larger problem in the AI industry: contract workers form the backbone of system training and evaluation but often receive little recognition, fair pay, or protection. Similar struggles have emerged globally, with data labelers in Kenya and moderators in Turkey and Colombia pushing for better conditions.
