Ex-Meta Employees Sue, Claiming AI Bias in Job Cuts Targeted Disabled Workers

Twenty-six former Meta Platforms employees have filed a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of using artificial intelligence software that allegedly discriminated against workers with disabilities or those who had taken medical leave during recent mass layoffs. The suit, filed in federal court in Oakland, California, contends that Meta's AI-powered systems relied on factors like productivity and AI token usage, which unfairly disadvantaged individuals who had taken time off for medical reasons or to care for family members.

The plaintiffs, who were informed in May that their jobs would be eliminated starting July 22, are seeking an immediate court order to prevent Meta from proceeding with the layoffs while their case is being handled through private arbitration. They argue that while Meta's agreements typically mandate individual arbitration for workplace disputes, these agreements do not preclude requests for temporary relief.

This lawsuit appears to be the first of its kind against a major U.S. company, challenging the alleged use of AI in the layoff process. Meta implemented significant job cuts in May, eliminating approximately 8,000 positions, which represented 10% of its global workforce. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has indicated that no further company-wide layoffs are expected this year, as Meta focuses on increasing its AI investments and integrating AI agents into its products and internal operations.

The 26 plaintiffs, who filed the lawsuit anonymously, assert that Meta violated federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination or retaliation against workers with disabilities, those taking medical leave, or pregnant employees. They also claim Meta failed to adequately test its AI systems for bias, contravening recently enacted laws in California and New York City. The lawsuit details that Meta utilized several internal AI-assisted systems, including a large language model assistant called “Metamate,” an employee-trained “second brain” that monitored communications, and a productivity score derived from analyzing keystrokes, screen content, emails, and browser history, to rank employees for termination.

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The claims lack merit.