TV and film performers to vote on strike action over AI scanning
Actors union Equity said it was ‘at the forefront of the fight to ensure working people are protected from artificial intelligence misuse’.
TV and film performers are to vote on strike action over scanning for artificial intelligence (AI).
Actors union Equity is to hold the vote – from December 4 to December 18 – on whether members are prepared to refuse to be digitally scanned on set in order to secure adequate AI protections.
The union is also in negotiations with the Producers Alliance For Cinema And Television (Pact), the trade body for independent production and distribution companies, to determine a new agreement to set minimum pay, terms and conditions for actors, dancers and stunt performers.
The groups are also negotiating over protecting performers’ rights when it comes to working with digital replicas and synthetic performers generated by AI, with Equity saying its claim regarding the use of data, such as recorded performances or digital scans to train AI systems remains “unaddressed”.
Equity general secretary, Paul W Fleming, said: “While tech companies get away with stealing artists’ likeness or work, and the Government and decision-makers fret over whether to act, unions including Equity are at the forefront of the fight to ensure working people are protected from artificial intelligence misuse.
“It is through union-negotiated agreements that set minimum pay, terms and conditions, that we can collectively ensure performers’ AI rights are protected.
“So it is disappointing that Pact is still not agreeing to protect our members when it comes to training AI. If bosses can’t ensure someone’s likeness and work won’t be used without their consent, why should performers consent to be digitally scanned in the first place?
“This indicative ballot gives Equity members an opportunity to send a clear message to the industry, that it is a basic right of performers to have autonomy over their own personhood and identity.
“Nobody wants further instability in our industries ahead of what we hope will be a positive year in 2026. However, with the inadequacy of the deal on the table, Equity has no choice but to recommend members support industrial action.
“It’s time for the bosses to step away from the brink and offer us a package, including on AI protections, which respects our members.”
The ballot will show the level of support the union has for this action short of a strike, but it is not binding and would not legally cover members who refused to be digitally scanned on set.
