Animation Guild approves new studio contract despite lingering concerns over AI protections

The Animation Guild has approved a new three-year contract with major studios with 76.1% membership support, despite concerns over artificial intelligence protections.

Key terms of the agreement: The contract includes staggered wage increases and specific improvements for certain job categories over three years.

• Members will receive raises of 7%, 4%, and 3.5% across the board
• The agreement introduces “pay equity” measures for color designers, a traditionally female-dominated role
• A new staffing minimum requirement has been established for TV animation writers

AI provisions and limitations: The final agreement falls short of the union’s initial demands for comprehensive AI protections.

• The contract excludes provisions allowing members to opt out of using AI or having their work used for AI training
• Guild-wide staffing minimums were not secured in negotiations
• Basic AI guardrails similar to other unions’ agreements were included, covering AI work under the contract and protecting members’ pay and credit

Internal dissent: Some union members and negotiators expressed opposition to the contract’s AI terms.

• Four members of the 56-person negotiating committee publicly opposed the deal
• Mike Rianda, director of “The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” warned that insufficient AI protections could lead to job losses
• The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions between technological advancement and job security in the animation industry

Future considerations: The union leadership acknowledges the need for continued work on unresolved issues, particularly regarding AI.

• The guild plans to pursue multiple strategies including legislative lobbying
• They will advocate for tax incentives favoring human-created work
• The union intends to challenge potential AI-related contract violations through grievance procedures

Looking ahead: While this contract represents incremental progress in areas like wage increases and specific craft protections, the limited AI provisions suggest that the relationship between artificial intelligence and creative work will remain a contentious issue in future negotiations. The animation industry’s response to AI integration could set important precedents for other creative sectors grappling with similar challenges.