Last month, over 200 subcontractors at Google, who were involved in testing artificial intelligence products, were let go after voicing concerns about inadequate pay and working conditions.
The laid-off employees had been working on Google’s Gemini AI chatbot, aiming to enhance its human-like responses. They were hired through a third-party company called Globallogic, rather than directly by Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
This has raised questions about Google’s treatment of third-party contractors. Some believe that the recent layoffs—occurring in two rounds—are a strategy to quell ongoing complaints about pay and job security for these testers, as reported by Wired.
“I was just cut off,” said Andrew Rouson, one of those affected. “I asked why, and they mentioned the project ramp down—what does that even mean?”
At least two individuals involved in the layoffs have filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Commission, alleging retaliation for raising their concerns.
In total, eight workers shared their experiences of low pay and challenging conditions. One worker, who identified himself as “Alex,” expressed frustration, saying, “I don’t even know how many people I’m handling in a day. I’m just focused on the timers. It’s exhausting.”
There are growing fears among workers that Globallogic intends to replace human testers with AI capable of performing the same tasks.
The outsourcing firm is also said to have implemented measures aimed at diluting its workforce, including a new office return policy for contractors based in Austin, Texas.
“How can you feel secure when you know your job can end at any moment?” Lauzon questioned.
A Google spokesperson clarified that these testers are only temporarily assigned to gather feedback and that their input is just one of several metrics for assessing Gemini’s performance.
“These individuals are employees of Globallogic or its subcontractors, not Alphabet,” the spokesperson stated. “Globallogic is responsible for the employment conditions of its workers.”
Globallogic did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The situation has reportedly worsened as Google ramped up its AI efforts in 2023, leading Globallogic to increase its hiring of subcontractors to meet rising labor demands—paying them between $18 and $22 per hour.
According to Wired, there has been a push among some workers to form unions in search of better wages, with membership expanding from 18 to around 60 by February 2024.
Workers also mention that Globallogic has altered its internal communications approach, including restricting the use of social channels during work hours.
The layoffs come as Google faces fierce competition from companies like OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, and Elon Musk’s X.ai, in the development of advanced AI chatbots.
Additionally, Google continues to deal with criticism regarding the inaccuracies in Gemini’s outputs, including bizarre claims, like one about Eminem at Jeff Bezos’ mother’s funeral.
Concurrently, Google has initiated layoffs as part of its own internal restructuring, which includes a return to a three-day work week and office mandate, while offering some remote workers “voluntary” shopping options.
