IATSE, a labor union representing technicians, artisans, and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, has announced its core principles for the application of AI technologies in the industry. The union, which represents over 160,000 members, aims to take a comprehensive approach to address the potential impact of AI in the entertainment sector.
The core principles emphasize the need for research, collaboration, education, political and legislative advocacy, organizing, and collective bargaining. IATSE aims to better understand how AI and machine learning technologies are currently being used in the industry and to forecast their future capabilities and limitations. The union will also identify which crafts and local unions are most at risk of being affected by AI in the near future.
To further study AI technologies, IATSE will establish the IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence. This commission will examine how AI may reshape job opportunities in the entertainment industry under IATSE’s jurisdiction. It will also consider how contract provisions, legislation, and training programs can be adapted to ensure the equitable sharing of increased productivity brought about by AI.
Collaboration with partners and stakeholders is another key aspect of IATSE’s approach. The commission will engage with IATSE members, representatives, external experts, and allied groups to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. The union will also collaborate with organizations outside the United States and Canada.
Education is emphasized as a fundamental principle, with IATSE asserting that its members have the right to receive adequate training and upskilling opportunities to navigate the changes brought about by AI. The union will work to equip its members with the necessary skills to embrace technological advancements, ensuring continuous education through its own Education and Training Department and the IATSE Training Trust Fund.
IATSE recognizes the potential of AI and machine learning as catalysts for organizing. The union is committed to organizing entertainment workers in new job classifications related to AI implementation.
The principles also emphasize the importance of maintaining workers’ rights, job security, and union jurisdiction. Workers in jobs that incorporate AI should receive the same rights and protections as those in roles without AI involvement. The union opposes the erosion of conditions achieved over decades and aims to advocate for members’ job security despite the integration of AI.
In terms of political and legislative advocacy, IATSE will 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 as part of the Human Artistry Campaign.
Collective bargaining is considered vital in addressing the impact of AI on work conditions and roles. IATSE commits to negotiating provisions that address AI in future contracts. The union demands transparency from employers regarding their use of AI, even in the absence of government legislation. Protecting members’ privacy rights and ensuring ethical standards, including non-discrimination and fairness, in AI applications are also priorities.
IATSE believes collective bargaining is the primary means to ensure workers do not have to wait for government regulations through legislation, which can be a lengthy process or may not occur at all. By incorporating these core principles, IATSE aims to navigate the rapidly-changing entertainment industry landscape and protect the interests of its members in an AI-driven future.
