IATSE Members Press Leaders on AI Deal Terms as Contract Ratification Vote Begins
As the IATSE contract ratification vote starts today, union members are scrutinizing the AI provisions negotiated with Hollywood’s studios. During a virtual town hall on Saturday, IATSE leaders, including International President Matthew Loeb, addressed questions from about 50,000 members from 13 locals under the Basic Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The nearly three-hour session highlighted provisions for regular AI use review. According to the Memorandum of Agreements, “the parties agree to meet at least semi-annually during the term of the agreements at the request of the international union to discuss and review information related to the producers’ use and intended use of AI systems”. Producers are also required to meet quarterly with the union to discuss emerging AI technologies that may affect workers.
Voting runs through July 17, with results announced on July 18. Leaders are optimistic about swift ratification, potentially boosting production activity after a prolonged slowdown. The deal, reached on June 26, aims for ratification before the current contract expires on July 31. AI’s impact on job retention has been a major concern. During the town hall, union members expressed worries about AI replacing their roles. Leaders emphasized the importance of reporting AI-related experiences to address these issues in future negotiations.
Cathy Repola, national executive director of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), addressed concerns in a July 8 email. “Many of you are concerned about the prospect of a producer using your timelines, project files, concept art, or other expressions of your creative labor, to train AI models,” Repola wrote. She assured members that protections were secured to prevent studios from exploiting AI prompts. Repola also emphasized that the tentative agreement ensures work remains within the union’s jurisdiction, regardless of AI use. “Our members performing that work and/or overseeing it, are confirmed to be covered under the jurisdiction of the collective bargaining agreements” she wrote.
She encouraged members to report their experiences with developing technologies: “We still have much work ahead of us… We need for you to report everything associated with developing technologies so we can collect the data necessary to effectively address ongoing concerns during these meetings.”
The Editors Guild and the International Cinematographers Guild, the largest locals under the Basic Agreement, will play crucial roles in the ratification process. As the vote proceeds, IATSE members and leaders are hopeful the new agreement will balance AI integration while safeguarding workers’ roles and rights.
SOURCE: Variety
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As the IATSE contract ratification vote starts today, union members are scrutinizing the AI provisions negotiated with Hollywood’s studios. During a virtual town hall on Saturday, IATSE leaders, including International President Matthew Loeb, addressed questions from about 50,000 members from 13 locals under the Basic Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The nearly three-hour session highlighted provisions for regular AI use review. According to the Memorandum of Agreements, “the parties agree to meet at least semi-annually during the term of the agreements at the request of the international union to discuss and review information related to the producers’ use and intended use of AI systems”. Producers are also required to meet quarterly with the union to discuss emerging AI technologies that may affect workers.
Voting runs through July 17, with results announced on July 18. Leaders are optimistic about swift ratification, potentially boosting production activity after a prolonged slowdown. The deal, reached on June 26, aims for ratification before the current contract expires on July 31. AI’s impact on job retention has been a major concern. During the town hall, union members expressed worries about AI replacing their roles. Leaders emphasized the importance of reporting AI-related experiences to address these issues in future negotiations.
Cathy Repola, national executive director of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), addressed concerns in a July 8 email. “Many of you are concerned about the prospect of a producer using your timelines, project files, concept art, or other expressions of your creative labor, to train AI models,” Repola wrote. She assured members that protections were secured to prevent studios from exploiting AI prompts. Repola also emphasized that the tentative agreement ensures work remains within the union’s jurisdiction, regardless of AI use. “Our members performing that work and/or overseeing it, are confirmed to be covered under the jurisdiction of the collective bargaining agreements” she wrote.
She encouraged members to report their experiences with developing technologies: “We still have much work ahead of us… We need for you to report everything associated with developing technologies so we can collect the data necessary to effectively address ongoing concerns during these meetings.”
The Editors Guild and the International Cinematographers Guild, the largest locals under the Basic Agreement, will play crucial roles in the ratification process. As the vote proceeds, IATSE members and leaders are hopeful the new agreement will balance AI integration while safeguarding workers’ roles and rights.
SOURCE: Variety
Share:
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