US judge won't block Meta from laying off workers who filed AI discrimination lawsuit

A judge refused to block Meta from carrying out layoffs starting July 22 while 26 employees' claims proceed in private arbitration, saying they hadn't shown "irreparable harm."
The workers say Meta relied on AI tools (like an assistant called "Metamate" and productivity/usage scores) that disadvantaged employees on medical leave or with disabilities — a rare legal challenge to AI-driven layoffs.
Plaintiffs warn they'll lose pay, stock options and employer-subsidized health coverage; Meta denies wrongdoing and says such damages can be recouped later.