Hollywood Union Secures Landmark Deal with AI Rules, Pay Hikes, and Improved Conditions

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has reached a tentative three-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which includes wage increases, new rules for artificial intelligence usage, and improved working conditions for Hollywood crew members.

Key terms of the deal:

• The contract includes wage increases of 7%, 4%, and 3.5% over the three-year term.
• Hourly workers are entitled to triple pay for workdays exceeding 15 hours, and on-call employees qualify for double pay on the seventh consecutive workday to discourage excessive work hours.
• Employers must negotiate with the union when implementing AI behind the scenes, and crew members who voluntarily use their own AI programs are entitled to a “kit rental fee.”

Pension and health benefits: The deal secures over $700 million for IATSE’s pension and health plans, funded by employer payments, travel-only days, and an updated streaming residual system:

• Healthcare coverage costs, benefits, and prescription drug co-payments will remain fixed for members and their dependents while the contract is in effect.
• Covered workers will have uninterrupted access to health and pension services for the remainder of the plan year.

Working conditions and time off: The agreement addresses safety concerns and aims to prevent accidents involving crew members driving home late:

• Producers are required to provide rides, secure parking, and reserve temporary lodging for employees during their post-work rest period or until they are needed back on set.
• Juneteenth will be recognized as a holiday starting in 2025, and the contract increases the maximum amount of accrued sick days to 10 from six.

Broader implications: The IATSE deal represents a significant step forward in addressing long-standing issues faced by Hollywood crew members, such as excessive work hours, inadequate rest periods, and the need for improved safety measures. The inclusion of AI regulations also highlights the growing importance of addressing the impact of emerging technologies on the entertainment industry workforce. However, the summary does not provide a detailed analysis of how these changes will be implemented or enforced, leaving some questions unanswered regarding the practical application of the new terms.