In a surprising move, Google has laid off more than 200 contractors working on its flagship AI projects, including Gemini and AI Overviews. These workers, many of whom held advanced degrees, were hired to refine AI responses and improve search accuracy. But despite their critical role, the contractors were abruptly let go, raising concerns about job security, low pay, and the growing use of AI to replace human labor.
Key Details of the Layoffs
- Over 200 AI contractors were laid off in September 2025.
- They were employed via outsourcing firm GlobalLogic and its subcontractors—not directly by Google.
- The contractors were part of the “super rater” program, designed to evaluate and rewrite Gemini outputs for better accuracy and readability.
Complaints From Workers
- Abrupt notices: Many workers said they were cut off suddenly, with emails citing “project ramp-down.”
- Pay gaps:
- Direct GlobalLogic workers earned around $28–32/hour.
- Subcontracted workers earned just $18–22/hour for similar tasks.
- High pressure: Tight deadlines, unclear expectations, and fear that AI tools were being trained to replace them.
Why This Matters
The layoffs highlight a deep contradiction in AI development: while human input is essential to make AI safe and reliable, the people providing that input often face unstable contracts, low pay, and limited recognition.
Some workers believe the layoffs may also be linked to unionization efforts within the Alphabet Workers Union, raising questions about workplace rights in the fast-growing AI industry.
Google & GlobalLogic’s Response
- Google emphasized that these contractors were not its employees and pointed to GlobalLogic as their direct employer.
- GlobalLogic declined to provide detailed comments on the pay disparities or job cuts.
Conclusion
As Google pushes ahead with its Gemini AI and AI Overviews, the sudden decision to lay off over 200 AI contractors raises tough questions about the future of human labor in AI. With growing reliance on contract workers, the incident may fuel debates on ethics, fair pay, and the hidden workforce behind artificial intelligence.
