ABC News Agrees to AI Protections for Writers in Latest Contract

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As the New Year begins, promising to be a bustling one with Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, ABC News‘ unionized staff has successfully negotiated fresh guidelines regulating the application of artificial intelligence generation within their work environment.

Members of the Writers Guild of America East have approved a contract, which provides job security provisions if the workplace adopts new technology. The union made this announcement on Tuesday. This agreement ensures that existing staff members will not be fired due to the implementation of generative AI, and it also stipulates that full-time temporary employees will receive a three-week notice if their work hours are reduced because of the technology.

Under the newly signed three-year agreement, management is now required to inform union members in advance if they intend to incorporate generative AI systems into job roles. The company must also engage in discussions about any potential effects this technology might have with the union, and meet biannually with the labor group to assess the use of the technology in employment.

In their declaration, the reps from the ABC News Union labeled the AI protections as “revolutionary” and added that the agreement brings about substantial enhancements across all benefit packages.

Under this agreement, members will receive a base annual salary increase of 3.5%, with desk assistants receiving an extra boost of over 17% during the first year. The company has also enhanced benefits by adding an additional 1.5% to Health Fund contributions and introducing paid parental leave for temporary workers from their second year, effective in the second year of the contract.

Due to the agreement, temporary workers can qualify for fewer required days off (comp days) and Juneteenth will be recognized as a company holiday. Additionally, the parties stipulated that writers whose content is reused across broadcast, streaming platforms, and the ABC News website will receive credit, since these mediums fall outside the scope of the existing contract.

In these times, it’s crucial to have journalists who can deliver news with safety at their workplaces,” stated Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, president of WGA East. “Only a union contract can provide that security. Our members and staff have worked diligently for this contract, and they rightfully earned all the benefits it brings.

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2025-01-28 21:26