Overview

• More than 200 contractors who refined outputs for Gemini and Search AI Overviews were laid off last month in at least two rounds, according to reporting based on worker accounts and documents.
• Internal materials reviewed by Wired indicate efforts to automate the rating process using data produced by human raters, raising concerns they trained systems intended to replace them.
• At least two former contractors have filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board alleging they were dismissed for organizing and speaking up about conditions.
• Workers described pay gaps of roughly $28–$32 per hour for GlobalLogic hires versus $18–$22 via third‑party agencies, strict task timers of about five minutes, and return‑to‑office mandates in Austin.
• Google said the affected individuals were employees of GlobalLogic or its subcontractors and that those firms are responsible for employment and working conditions; GlobalLogic has not provided a detailed public response.