Google Eliminates 200 Contract Workers After AI Training Programs Replace Human Evaluators
Google has terminated approximately 200 contract workers in two separate rounds last month, following their involvement in training artificial intelligence systems that ultimately rendered their positions obsolete. The layoffs primarily affected Hitachi-owned Global Logic employees who specialized in enhancing Google’s Gemini chatbot and developing AI Overviews for search functionality.
Workers Forced to Train AI Replacements
The dismissed contractors, many holding advanced degrees including master’s and PhDs from teaching and creative backgrounds, were tasked with refining Gemini’s conversational abilities and improving response quality. Internal documentation revealed Google’s systematic approach to using human evaluators for training AI systems before eliminating human oversight entirely.
Affected employees reported being required to work under strict five-minute task timers while simultaneously training the very AI technologies designed to replace them. This created an ethically troubling situation where workers actively contributed to their own job displacement.
Labor Rights Violations and Poor Working Conditions
Beyond the philosophical concerns, workers faced significant workplace challenges including pay disparities, abrupt termination notices, and blocked unionization attempts. Google allegedly employed indirect pressure tactics, forcing Austin-based employees to return to office despite documented disabilities and caregiving responsibilities.
The company restricted online community spaces used for organizing and social interaction, with at least one employee terminated after filing whistleblower complaints with Hitachi regarding working conditions.
Broader AI Industry Employment Impact
This development highlights the accelerating trend of AI automation displacing skilled knowledge workers, particularly those in content evaluation and training roles, raising significant questions about the future of human-AI collaboration in technology companies.
