A lawsuit has been filed in California against Meta by several employees who claim that the company’s use of artificial intelligence systems in selecting workers for layoffs adversely impacted those on maternity leave, medical leave, and employees with disabilities. The employees argue that the company used AI-based performance ratings and productivity metrics to decide on layoffs, which affected around 8,000 employees earlier this year. They claim that these AI systems failed to consider approved leave periods, leading to lower performance scores for those who had taken family or medical leave or received disability accommodations.
Among the plaintiffs is a scientist who received notice of her dismissal just two days before she was due to give birth. Another complainant, an engineer recovering from an injury, alleges that his performance rating suffered because of his absence. There is also a manager who claims he was laid off shortly after commencing medical leave. The employees involved in the lawsuit are seeking a court order to halt the layoffs while the case is ongoing. They demand reinstatement, compensation for lost wages and benefits, and an independent audit of Meta’s AI systems.
Meta has rejected these accusations, stating that decisions concerning workforce and organization are made by humans, not AI systems. This lawsuit surfaces amid increasing concerns about the role of AI in workplace decision-making processes. Critics caution that relying on automated systems could introduce biases, particularly against employees who are on legally protected leave.