The landscape of animation work in the age of AI is starting to evolve.

After intense negotiations that were hindered by disagreements over emerging technology, the Animation Guild has successfully negotiated a tentative agreement with studios and streaming services for a new three-year contract for its members in the Los Angeles area.

The agreement was finalized on Friday, as reported by the union. This provisional contract incorporates AI-related language that includes “notification and consultation provisions.” Additionally, it provides for a 7% wage increase in the first year, a 4% increase in the second year, a 3.5% raise in the third year, and includes provisions for remote work.

The Hollywood Reporter has contacted the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for their input.

Union negotiators have emphasized that, from their perspective, the core of these contract negotiations revolved around AI. A survey conducted by an economic consulting firm for the Animation Guild earlier this year indicated that 29% of animation jobs could face disruption from AI within just three years. A separate report released shortly before the union resumed its contract discussions suggested that entry-level roles are particularly vulnerable to displacement, even as AI technologies could impact a wide range of job categories within the guild.

The union, which represents over 5,000 animation professionals in collective bargaining, began negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on August 12. In addition to prioritizing safeguards against generative AI, the labor organization aimed to combat the outsourcing of work from L.A.-based studios to overseas locations.

During a union rally in Burbank on August 10, union leaders stressed that these negotiations will influence the future of animation for years. “This really, for us, feels like a do-or-die negotiation cycle,” stated negotiating committee member and writer Joey Clift.

Writer Julie Prescott added, “The American animation industry is at stake, and the drawing kid from your childhood is not going down without a fight.”

In recent weeks, the labor group has taken their campaign to major corporations, staging demonstrations at the offices of Netflix, DreamWorks Animation, and Warner Bros. Animation. During these protests, workers presented a petition addressing the financial difficulties faced by animation workers and advocating for a “fair deal” that includes “livable wages and job security.”

More updates to follow.

 

Person: Joey Clift, Julie Prescott
Company Names: Animation Guild, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, Netflix, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros. Animation
Titles: N/A

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.