In a strong show of determination, the President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Matthew Loeb, has asserted that his union is prepared to go on strike if the upcoming contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) do not produce satisfactory results. Loeb made these remarks at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), emphasizing that his union members are not intimidated by the negotiation tactics employed by the AMPTP.
However, financial concerns are not the only driving force behind the potential strike. It is also a reflection of a broader discontent that may have been exacerbated by the post-Covid environment. This sentiment resonates within the union members, suggesting a gathering storm within the entertainment industry.
During the panel discussion, another significant issue that emerged was the role of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in light of SAG-AFTRA’s recent agreement with Replica Studios on AI voice replicas in video games. Loeb highlighted AI as a major concern for IATSE, indicating the need for a careful reevaluation of previous agreements and the assurance of safety and protection for its members within this evolving landscape.
Technological advancements, such as autonomous vehicles, also raised concerns among union representatives. Lindsay Dougherty, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 399, expressed reservations about the potential impact on the workforce. Furthermore, Meredith Stiehm, President of WGA West, highlighted the challenges faced during negotiations when discussing AI with studios. Dougherty even criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for vetoing a bill on regulating autonomous vehicles, alluding to the Teamsters withholding support for his re-election. The tone of the conversation was notably adversarial, with union leaders indicating a strong resolve for a substantial standoff on these issues.
As contract negotiations begin, the IATSE union’s willingness to strike and the rising concerns around AI and technological advancements create a volatile landscape in the entertainment industry. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for both union members and the future of the industry as a whole.
The source of the article is from the blog lokale-komercyjne.pl