Meta can carry out layoffs scheduled for July 22 after U.S. District Judge William Orrick denied an emergency order sought by 26 employees who say the company's AI tools flagged them for cuts because of disabilities or medical leave. Orrick ruled the workers had not shown the irreparable harm required for a temporary restraining order, while noting he could revisit that if the parties produce more evidence about whether and how AI was used in the reduction in force. Their motion for a preliminary injunction is still pending, and the underlying claims go to private arbitration under Meta's employment agreements. Plaintiffs' lawyers argued the workers stand to lose stock options and health coverage during pregnancies and active treatment, while Meta's counsel said those are recoverable damages. Meta denies wrongdoing.
