The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has released its “Core Principles” for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies in the entertainment industry. IATSE, a union representing entertainment workers, believes that AI has the potential to significantly impact employers’ business models and disrupt the livelihoods of its members. In response, the union has taken a comprehensive approach to address this issue. The union’s approach encompasses various aspects such as research, collaboration, education, political and legislative advocacy, organizing, and collective bargaining.
Researching the Impact of AI
IATSE aims to be at the forefront of understanding how AI and ML technologies will affect its members and the broader entertainment industry. The union plans to investigate the current use of AI and ML tools by its members and employers, as well as their capabilities and limitations. Additionally, IATSE will forecast the development of future AI and ML tools. To establish enforceable oversight, the union will work towards creating clear definitions that categorize different types of AI. Urgently identifying the crafts and local unions most at-risk of being affected by AI is also a priority. The IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence will conduct a comprehensive study of AI technologies, focusing on their potential impact on entertainment industry jobs. The commission will explore how contract provisions, legislation, and training programs can be adapted to ensure equitable distribution of increased productivity through AI among stakeholders.
Collaboration with Partners and Stakeholders
To address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the IATSE Commission on Artificial Intelligence will bring together IATSE members, representatives, and external experts. The commission will collaborate with allied groups and organizations, including the AFL-CIO Technology Institute, the Human Artistry Campaign, the Copyright Alliance, and the Department of Professional Employees (AFL-CIO). Recognizing the global nature of AI technology, IATSE will also engage with international organizations like UNI MEI and BECTU.
Education and Organizing
IATSE emphasizes the importance of continuous education and upskilling for its members. The union asserts that its members have the right to receive adequate training to navigate changes brought about by AI in their work environment. IATSE will equip its members with the necessary skills through its own Education and Training Department and the IATSE Training Trust Fund. Additionally, the implementation of AI and ML is seen as an opportunity for organizing entertainment workers in new job classifications.
The union is committed to maintaining workers’ rights, job security, and union jurisdiction in the face of AI integration. Workers in AI-related roles should receive the same rights and protections as those in traditional roles. IATSE opposes the erosion of hard-fought conditions and aims to prevent AI from becoming a means to circumvent the union. The union advocates for job security and demands transparency from employers regarding their use of AI.
Political and Legislative Advocacy
IATSE will continue to represent the interests of entertainment workers in policymaking. The union supports strong copyright and intellectual property laws and aligns with the Core Principles for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Support of Human Creativity and Accomplishment. IATSE advocates for fair compensation for entertainment workers whose work is used to train or generate new works by AI systems. The union also aims to protect intellectual property owners from theft, improve transparency of AI and ML systems, and prevent legal loopholes that can be exploited.
Furthermore, collective bargaining plays a crucial role in addressing the impact of AI on work conditions and roles. IATSE commits to negotiating provisions related to AI in future contracts. The union demands transparency from employers regarding the use of AI, even in the absence of government legislation. IATSE prioritizes members’ privacy rights and ethical standards, including non-discrimination and fairness.
IATSE recognizes the potential impact of AI on the entertainment industry and is taking proactive measures to address the challenges and opportunities it presents. The union’s Core Principles outline a comprehensive approach that includes research, collaboration, education, organizing, and collective bargaining. By advocating for workers’ rights, job security, and fair compensation, IATSE aims to ensure that AI integration benefits all stakeholders in the industry.