These contractors were part of an elite group known as “super-raters,” specialists whose job it was to evaluate and rewrite AI-generated responses to make them sound more natural and accurate.
Tech giant Google has reportedly laid off more than 200 contractors working on its artificial intelligence projects, including Gemini and AI reports. The move has raised concerns about job security, low pay and possible retaliation against union efforts.
Google identifies over 200 contractors
According to a Wired report, the layoffs occurred in at least two separate rounds last month and were done with little or no notice. Several contractors said they were abruptly terminated from their jobs. “I was just terminated,” said Andrew Lauzon, a contractor who reportedly received an email on Aug. 15 informing him that his contract was up. Lauzon, who joined Hitachi-owned Globallogic in March 2024, worked on Google’s Gemini chatbot and other AI tools. “I asked for a reason, and they said project downsizing—whatever that means. How are we supposed to feel secure in this employment when we know we could be gone at any moment?” he added.
The contractors, many of whom reportedly have advanced degrees such as master’s and doctorates, were part of a group known as “super raters.” They were responsible for refining the AI-generated responses and making them more natural and accurate. The employees told Wired that their role was critical in building Google’s AI products, including the AI reporting feature that aggregates search results. “We have an incredibly critical role as raters,” said Alex, a general rater employed by Globallogic. “Engineers won’t have time to fine-tune and get the feedback they need on the robot. We’re like lifeguards on the beach—we’re there to make sure nothing bad happens,” Alex added.
Why Google Fire employees?
Google has reportedly denied direct responsibility for the job cuts, stressing that the affected individuals are employed by Globallogic or its subcontractors. “These individuals are employees of Globallogic or their subcontractors, not Alphabet,” Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini was quoted as saying. “As employers, Globallogic and its subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees,” Mencini added. The reported layoffs come at a time when Google is investing heavily in AI to keep up with competitors such as OpenAI and Microsoft.
(With contributions from IANS)
