Film and TV Performers (EQUITY) Strike Calendar

Performers in film and television recently participated in an indicative ballot, with 99.6% voting in favor of refusing digital scanning on set to secure protections against artificial intelligence.

The ballot was conducted by the union Equity among its members working in film and television who have engaged with agreements negotiated with Pact, the body representing UK production companies.

This first-time ballot of this specific membership section saw a turnout of 75.1% of eligible voters.

Since this ballot is indicative, it does not legally require members to take industrial action, but it demonstrates a strong resolve among performers regarding AI rights.

The result signals a willingness to refuse digital scanning on set, which is considered action short of a strike.

The union plans to communicate these results to Pact, demanding a superior proposal concerning AI protections during ongoing negotiations over minimum standards for pay and working conditions.

Should Pact fail to incorporate the sought-after AI protections into the agreements, the union is prepared to initiate a statutory ballot for formal industrial action.

Key concerns for the membership also include pay, residuals, self-tapes, and hair and makeup provisions, alongside the overarching issue of AI.