Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) who work at ABC News overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that contains powerful language protecting workers from the encroaching presence of artificial intelligence (AI).
The unit secured meaningful provisions that prevent the news outlet from laying off any current staff as a result of generative AI usage and require management to alert members if the company plans to make the use of this technology a requirement in their jobs. Additionally, ABC News is obligated to bargain with the union over the impacts of any new AI practices. Other wins in the agreement include 5% annual wage increases, more paid time off and more.
“Now more than ever, we need journalists who can report and present the news while they are protected in their workplace,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “A union contract is the only thing that ensures that protection. Our members and staff fought hard for this contract, and they deserve everything they won.”