Meta AI Layoff Lawsuit: Sick Workers Targeted?

Meta faces a new lawsuit alleging it used artificial intelligence to target sick workers for layoffs. Twenty-six anonymous employees claim Meta relied on AI-driven tools and productivity metrics to rank staff. They say this process unfairly penalized workers with disabilities, those who took medical or family leave, and pregnant employees. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, states that managers did not use considered judgment to assemble the termination list. It seeks to pause planned job cuts and accuses Meta of violating anti-discrimination laws. The suit also cites new bias-testing rules for AI in California and New York City. The plaintiffs are among nearly 8,000 people affected by May layoffs, representing about 10% of Meta's global workforce. Their separations are not set to begin until July 22nd, so they are currently still employees. Meta denies the allegations, stating that people, not AI, made workforce decisions. This case could set a precedent for how AI is used in employment decisions.