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Meta’s AI Training Workforce Faces Mass Layoffs in Ireland
Over 700 employees at Covalen, a Dublin-based firm contracted by Meta to refine its AI models, are at risk of redundancy as part of the tech giant’s latest cost-cutting measures. The workers, primarily data annotators, were informed via a brief video call on Monday, with no opportunity to ask questions.
Roles Under Threat
The affected staff are responsible for evaluating AI-generated content against Meta’s safety policies, effectively training the models to replicate human judgement. Their tasks include testing AI responses to harmful prompts—such as those related to child exploitation or self-harm—to identify vulnerabilities in the system. One employee described the work as “gruelling,” involving prolonged exposure to disturbing material.
Meta has framed the layoffs as part of a broader shift towards automated content moderation, stating it will reduce reliance on third-party vendors. The company plans to nearly double its AI investment, aligning with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s assertion that 2026 will see AI “dramatically change” workplace dynamics.
Repeated Job Cuts and Worker Backlash
This is the second major round of redundancies at Covalen in six months. In November 2025, around 400 jobs were cut, sparking strike action. The Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) estimates that Covalen’s Dublin workforce will be nearly halved by the latest reductions.
Workers face additional barriers, including a six-month “cooldown period” preventing them from joining competing Meta contractors. Unions are demanding negotiations over severance terms and have called for government intervention to address AI’s impact on employment.
“Tech companies are treating the workers whose labour and data helped build AI as disposable.”
— Christy Hoffman, UNI Global Union
Covalen has not publicly responded to the layoffs. Meta maintains that the changes will enhance safety and efficiency across its platforms.
Key Takeaways
- 700+ jobs at risk at Covalen, Meta’s Dublin-based AI training partner, with data annotators most affected.
- Second round of layoffs in six months, reducing Covalen’s workforce by nearly half.
- Workers face restrictions, including a six-month ban on joining rival Meta contractors.
- Unions demand action, calling for severance negotiations and government oversight of AI’s labour impact.
- Meta prioritises automation, citing efficiency gains as it ramps up AI investment.
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Originally published at wired.com. Curated by AI Maestro.
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