Artificial intelligence (AI) is causing a stir in the entertainment industry, with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) expressing concerns about its potential impact on their members’ livelihoods. To address this issue, IATSE has released its “Core Principles” for the use of AI and machine learning technologies in the industry.
IATSE President Matthew Loeb emphasized the importance of AI for their members and highlighted the union’s ongoing efforts in this area. The union’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, established earlier this year, is already conducting a comprehensive study of AI technologies and their potential effects on entertainment industry jobs.
AI is not only a significant concern for IATSE but also for other industry unions such as the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA. As negotiations for a new film and TV contract approach, AI will undoubtedly be a key bargaining issue.
Here are IATSE’s Core Principles for the use of artificial intelligence:
1. Comprehensive Approach: IATSE recognizes that AI and machine learning have the potential to disrupt employers’ business models and impact members’ livelihoods. To address this, the union’s approach must be comprehensive, encompassing research, collaboration, education, political and legislative advocacy, organizing, and collective bargaining.
2. Research: IATSE aims to stay at the forefront of understanding how AI and machine learning will affect its members and the entertainment industry as a whole. This includes studying the current use of AI and ML tools, their capabilities and limitations, and forecasting future developments. The union will establish clear definitions for different types of AI to ensure effective oversight through legislation and collective bargaining.
3. Collaboration with Partners and Stakeholders: The IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence will bring together members, external experts, and allied groups to guide the union’s approach to AI. Collaboration with organizations like the AFL-CIO Technology Institute, the Human Artistry Campaign, and the Copyright Alliance will be crucial. International collaboration with organizations like UNI MEI and BECTU is also a priority.
4. Education: IATSE is committed to ensuring its members receive adequate training and upskilling opportunities to navigate the changes brought about by AI. The union will continue to equip its members with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven industry through its Education and Training Department and the IATSE Training Trust Fund.
5. Organizing: IATSE recognizes that the implementation of AI and ML can serve as catalysts for organizing entertainment workers in new job classifications.
6. Maintain Workers’ Rights, Members’ Job Security, and Union Jurisdiction: IATSE insists that workers in AI-related roles should have the same rights and protections as those in traditional roles. The union will advocate for job security and ensure that AI is used as a tool to complement the work done by its members, rather than leading to job losses.
7. Political and Legislative Advocacy: IATSE will continue to represent the interests of entertainment workers in policymaking, focusing on maintaining strong copyright and intellectual property laws. The union supports the Core Principles for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Support of Human Creativity and Accomplishment and will advocate for policies that ensure fair compensation, protect intellectual property, improve transparency, and prevent exploitation.
8. Collective Bargaining: IATSE recognizes that the impact of AI on work conditions and roles falls within the scope of mandatory collective bargaining subjects. The union will negotiate provisions that address AI in future contracts, demanding transparency from employers and safeguarding members’ privacy rights. Collective bargaining is seen as the primary way to ensure workers’ rights and avoid lengthy government regulation processes.
The entertainment industry is on the cusp of significant technological advancements, and IATSE is determined to protect its members’ interests and ensure a fair and equitable transition into the AI era.
