Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1520149
sagaftra.org | Spring 2024 | SAG-AFTRA 43 A rtificial intelligence technology will likely affect all areas of human life in the coming decade, possibly marking a new chapter for humanity — the nature of which will be determined by how it's leveraged and who will reap the benefits. Will humankind use this powerful technology to improve and protect jobs for workers and their families, or will corporations exploit A.I. to reduce their workforce and increase their own profits? In an effort to ensure SAG-AFTRA members are able to sustain livelihoods now and into the future, the union is addressing A.I. technology on a number of fronts, including contractual guardrails, legislative protections, education and advocacy. Delivering the keynote address at a high-level UNESCO discussion on A.I. in October 2023, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland laid out the central challenge of this new era. "[W]ith the way things work right now, those who have the most power over the lives and well-being of others are those in charge of multibillion or even trillion-dollar corporations, and they're rewarded for doing whatever it takes to increase profits for their shareholders," he said. "That often means using every means at their disposal to exploit intellectual property, reduce worker compensation and slash the number of employees on their payroll." The corporate playbook will be fairly predictable, he added. "The companies will lobby against all A.I.-limiting legislation. They'll hire PR firms to try to get public sentiment on their side, while painting those who favor intellectual property rights as anti-technology." Crabtree-Ireland stressed the need for swift action "to ensure the protections of individuals over the agendas of corporations. Trade unions have been taking the lead in these efforts, but success will rely on a groundswell of public support, the action of lawmakers, and the activism of labor unions and nonprofit organizations alike." LIT SUMMIT AT CES In an effort to keep workers' rights at the center of all discussions around technology and its implications, SAG-AFTRA co-founded the Labor Innovation & Technology Summit, which takes place during CES in Las Vegas, now in its sixth year. The LIT Summit brought together leaders from across the labor movement, entertainment sector and technology space to discuss what innovation means for the future of workers. From information and education to labor-management collaboration and training initiatives, every year the summit shines a light on the people driving change and progress. This year's LIT Summit was co-sponsored by the AFL-CIO and AFL-CIO Technology Institute, UNITE HERE and the American Federation of Teachers. "SAG-AFTRA has been at the focal point of the national discourse around how A.I. technology could affect the livelihoods and artistry of those who work in the entertainment industry," said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. "Our attention to innovation is why we voted to issue the historic strike order against the studios and streamers, and why we continue to fight so hard to address all these vital concerns around the use of A.I. and its implications for all individuals." Held Jan. 9–10 at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the summit featured labor leaders from across multiple industries, including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer SAG-AFTRA NED speaks on an A.I. technology panel at CES in January. LUCASFILM LTD. WATCH NOW: NED Duncan Crabtree-Ireland discusses A.I.'s role in the future of Hollywood at SXSW. SAG-AFTRA EVP Linda Powell discusses A.I. during the LIT Summit. SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pam Greenwalt and Variety Co-Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Littleton at the Workers Winning in the Age of Tech panel at the LIT Summit. SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher addresses LIT Summit participants with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, left. FRED MORLEDGE x3