The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), a union representing Hollywood film and television crew, has recently reached a tentative three-year deal with major studios. This agreement includes pay hikes and measures to prevent the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to displace workers. The members of IATSE, which include lighting technicians and costume designers, will now need to ratify the deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), who represent companies like Disney and Netflix.
The terms of the agreement involve scale-rate increases of 7 percent, 4 percent, and 3.5 percent over the three-year term. In addition to the pay raises, the deal specifically addresses concerns surrounding the use of AI in the industry. It includes language that ensures no employee is required to provide AI prompts in a way that would lead to the displacement of any covered employee. This provision aims to protect workers from being replaced by AI technology.
This recent agreement comes after a previous labor dispute in late 2023 between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) actors union and the studios. The resolution of this dispute resulted in a contract that provided for pay raises and streaming bonuses totaling more than $1 billion over three years. Like the IATSE deal, the SAG-AFTRA agreement also included protections related to the use of AI in filmmaking. These protections are crucial for ensuring that workers are not replaced by AI technology.
The successful negotiation of these agreements highlights the ongoing efforts by entertainment industry unions to secure fair wages and working conditions for their members. By including provisions to safeguard against the potential negative impacts of AI on workers, the unions are demonstrating their commitment to protecting the rights of their members. With the ratification of the IATSE deal pending, it is clear that both unions and studios are working together to address key issues facing the industry and ensure a sustainable future for all involved.
Overall, the recent agreements between entertainment industry unions and major studios represent a significant step forward in securing better pay and protections for workers. By addressing concerns related to AI and ensuring that workers are not displaced by technology, these deals set a positive precedent for future labor negotiations. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential for unions and studios to collaborate in order to create a fair and equitable working environment for all members of the entertainment community. Through continued dialogue and negotiation, both parties can work towards building a more sustainable and inclusive industry for years to come.
