OpenAI is requesting contractors to upload real and fabricated work examples from their jobs to evaluate AI performance against human tasks, raising concerns about data privacy and trade secret risks.
During a government shutdown, federal employees are legally entitled to back pay once funding resumes, but contractors and private sector workers supporting the government are not guaranteed payment, which can cause financial hardship and ripple effects on local businesses.
During a US government shutdown, members of Congress continue to receive their salaries due to constitutional and legal provisions, while most federal contractors, including janitors, often do not get paid unless their employers choose to do so, as federal law does not guarantee back pay for contractors.
Over 200 contractors working on Google's AI products, including Gemini, were laid off unexpectedly amid ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions, highlighting tensions within the company's AI development team.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Rolling Stone
President Donald Trump posted on social media to prove he's alive, sharing a story about discovering damage to the Rose Garden stonework caused by a subcontractor, and expressing his intention to replace the stone and take action against the contractor. The incident highlights Trump's ongoing disputes with contractors and his recent activity on social media.
Former Green Beret Anthony Aguilar claims that the IDF is the client of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and describes witnessing IDF soldiers firing indiscriminately at Palestinians and instructing contractors to shoot at children, allegations which the Foundation disputes with sworn statements from colleagues.
American contractors working in Gaza have reported horrific violence and lethal tactics used during food distribution efforts, with some refusing to participate in the use of force against unarmed civilians, raising questions about the conduct of the operation and its potential to be exposed or dismantled.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has rapidly built a migrant detention facility called 'Alligator Alcatraz' using emergency powers that bypass standard bidding processes, funneling millions to politically connected contractors. The project, funded by a large emergency fund, has raised concerns about transparency, cost, and the use of emergency declarations for political purposes, with critics arguing it diverts funds from essential public services.
Several contractors involved in building Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades have donated to Governor Ron DeSantis or the Florida Republican Party, with CDR Maguire and CDR Health being notable among them.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Rolling Stone
President Trump and Ron DeSantis toured 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a newly built, controversial immigration detention center in Florida, which was constructed rapidly by contractors who are significant donors to both politicians. The facility, surrounded by wildlife, has raised concerns about its construction process and the influence of donor contractors, with some suggesting it serves as a symbolic and deterrent measure for migrants.
Home Depot is acquiring SRS Distribution for $18 billion in a move to attract more professional customers, particularly contractors and construction companies. SRS, a distributor of supplies for professional roofers and contractors, is expected to operate independently within Home Depot and will help the retailer expand its pro business. The acquisition is part of Home Depot's strategy to bolster its e-commerce sales, open new distribution centers, and strengthen its position in the professional customer market.
Nintendo of America is reportedly undergoing a "massive downsizing," with over 100 contractor layoffs ahead of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. The company is creating new full-time positions but moving affected employees out of software testing. This comes amid reports of a shift in the Switch 2 launch window from late 2024 to early 2025. The layoffs raise questions about Nintendo's QA plans for its first-party lineup, while previous claims of a harmful work culture and pay inequity have also been highlighted.
The increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve has significantly impacted the home flipping industry, affecting everyone from reality TV stars like Tarek El Moussa to small contractors. The housing market has experienced a decline in home flipping activity, with investors facing limited inventory and lukewarm demand. This has led to lower profit margins, labor troubles, and a shift in business strategies, such as diversifying into property-secured loans and wholesale home purchase contracts. The reality TV landscape has also adapted to the changing market conditions, focusing on discussions about rates, slow turnover, and alternative housing options to keep viewers engaged.
Google contractor Cognizant in Austin, Texas, cut the contract of a team of more than 40 moderators responsible for approving music content for YouTube Music after they went on strike in February last year, demanding changes to Google’s return-to-work policy. The Alphabet Workers Union-CWA, representing the contractors, claims that many workers hired to work remotely are paid as little as $19 an hour, and going to the office would be too expensive. The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Google can be considered a partial employer for unionized contractors, and the company can appeal to federal court.
Recent listings indicate that Destiny 2 developer Bungie has expanded to 1,400 employees, sparking confusion after laying off a significant number of workers. However, the increase may include contractors and support from other Sony studios, rather than solely new hires. This surge in the workforce may impact the development of the upcoming expansion, The Final Shape, with hopes for a significant impact similar to the Forsaken expansion.