Google fires more than two hundred AI contractors. The action has sparked worries about low pay, job security, and potential reprisals against unionization attempts.

The layoffs occurred in at least two different waves last month and were implemented with little to no notice, according to a report by “WIRED.” A number of contractors reported that they were abruptly disconnected from their work.

A contractor named Andrew Lauzon claimed to have received an email on August 15 alerting him to the termination of his contract, saying, “I was just cut off.”

“They said ramp-down on the project—whatever that means—when I asked for a rationale. Given that we might quit at any time, how are we meant to feel safe in this job? He went on.

The contractors belonged to a group known as “super raters,” many of whom are said to have advanced degrees like master’s and doctoral degrees.

They were in charge of improving AI-generated responses so they sounded more accurate and natural.

According to employees who spoke to “WIRED,” they had a significant influence on Google’s AI products, such as the AI Overviews function that summarizes search results.

A generalist rater with GlobalLogic, stated, “As raters, we play an incredibly vital role.”

“The developers won’t have enough time to improve the bot and obtain the necessary input. We’re there to make sure nothing awful occurs, much like the lifeguards on the beach,” that person continued.

The impacted personnel were employed by GlobalLogic or its subcontractors, and Google has apparently denied direct culpability for the employment losses.

According to a remark from Google spokesman, “These people are not Alphabet employees; they are employees of GlobalLogic or their subcontractors. GlobalLogic and its subcontractors bear the responsibility for the employment and working conditions of their employees as the employers,” He continued.

The alleged layoffs coincide with Google’s significant AI investment to stay competitive with rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI.