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Hundreds of Google AI Workers Were Fired Amid Fight Over Working Conditions Google utilizes thousands of AI workers, contracted through Hitachi's GlobalLogic, to refine its AI products like Gemini and AI Overviews. These workers, often highly educated, rate and moderat… #gemini #geminiai #googleai

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Hundreds of Google AI Workers Were Fired Amid Fight Over Working Conditions Google utilizes thousands of AI workers, contracted through Hitachi's GlobalLogic, to refine its AI products like Gemini and AI Overviews. These workers, often highly educated, rate and moderate AI outputs, essentially forming a crucial but often invisible layer of human labor. Many feel disillusioned due to siloed work, intense deadlines, and concerns about product safety. Following warnings about a "faulty" and "dangerous" product, Google laid off 200 of these contract moderators recently. Internal documents suggest GlobalLogic is using these workers to train AI systems to automate their jobs, potentially leading to their replacement. Simultaneously, the company is implementing measures like return-to-office mandates while continuing to hire new employees. Attempts to unionize were allegedly suppressed, and two workers filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming unfair dismissal for advocating for better conditions. Google's spokesperson claims these workers are not employed by Google's parent company, Alphabet. Similar issues are faced by AI contract workers everywhere. A global alliance of content moderators is fighting for improved treatment and compensation. https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/09/20/2338214/hundreds-of-google-ai-workers-were-fired-amid-fight-over-working-conditions