SEARCH

    Saved articles

    You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

    Browse articles
    Select News Languages

    GDPR Compliance

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policies, and Terms of Service.

    Google Lays Off 200 AI Contractors Who Trained Gemini: Here's What Happened

    6 hours ago

    Google has now parted ways with 200 contract workers who helped in developing AI products like Gemini and AI Overviews. The layoffs, however, were not carried out by Google itself but by its outsourcing partner GlobalLogic, which manages Google’s AI rating projects. As reported by Wired, these contractors played an important role in training and advancing AI models, which ironically, may replace such jobs.

    Worker Reactions And Growing Unrest

    Many workers were shocked by the decision. Andrew Lauzon, who joined GlobalLogic in March 2024, says he received a termination email on August 15. “I was just cut off. I asked for a reason, and they said ramp-down on the project-whatever that means,” he said.

    The layoffs came after months of unrest. Some contractors were demanding better pay and greater transparency, while others raised objections against an overly heavy workload and strict time limits. Some even tried unionising under the Alphabet Workers Union, which they claimed was strongly discouraged.

    At least two workers have now filed complaints with the US labour board, alleging they were dismissed for speaking up about working conditions.

    Adding to the frustration, pay disparities were evident. Full-time employees of GlobalLogic reportedly earned $28-$32 an hour, while contractors through third-party agencies earned just $18-$22 for the same tasks.

    Generalist raters with less advanced qualifications often made even less, despite sometimes being tasked with complex projects.

    Google’s Response

    While workers blame Google for the unstable environment, the company has distanced itself. A spokesperson, Courtenay Mencini, said: “These individuals are employees of GlobalLogic or their subcontractors, not Alphabet. As the employers, GlobalLogic and its subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees.”

    GlobalLogic has so far declined to comment. Meanwhile, many remaining contractors say they feel trapped, working under short-term contracts without benefits or paid leave, in what they describe as an “oppressive atmosphere.”

    Click here to Read more
    Prev Article
    AI Will Make 3-Day Work Week A Reality, Says Zoom CEO Echoing Bill Gates
    Next Article
    Flipkart Big Billion Sale: Get iPhone 16 Pro And Pro Max At Huge Discounts; Check Prices, & Deals

    Related Technology Updates:

    Comments (0)

      Leave a Comment