IATSE and Studios ‘Constructively Engaging’ on AI as Talks Near Critical Point
variety.comGene Maddaus Senior Media Writer After two months at the bargaining table, IATSE and the major studios have begun talking about one of the key hurdles to getting a new contract: artificial intelligence.
The union is seeking to ensure that the adoption of AI will not displace jobs. In an update to members on Friday evening, the union advised that the two sides are “constructively engaging” on the issue, as well as on wages and other working conditions.
Talks on the Basic Agreement, which covers 45,000-50,000 crew workers, began last week and are scheduled to run through next Thursday.
At that point, it may become clearer whether a deal can be reached without resort to a strike authorization. “The goal of these negotiations is to ensure that our contracts keep pace with the rapid evolution of the entertainment industry,” Matt Loeb, IATSE’s international president, said in the update. “In many cases, the language in the previous agreements no longer works for our members.
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