IATSE Taps Jillian Arnold As Union’s First Labor & Technology Intelligence Officer

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has appointed Jillian Arnold as its inaugural Labor & Technology Intelligence Officer. In this groundbreaking role, Arnold will concentrate on assisting the union in understanding the implications of AI and emerging technologies on the entertainment industry's crafts, employment, and working conditions in the United States and Canada.

Her responsibilities will involve bridging the gap between the growing technological presence in the workplace and IATSE's dedication to preserving the human-centric nature of motion pictures, television, stagecraft, trade shows, and broadcast productions.

Matthew D. Loeb, IATSE International President, commended Arnold for her leadership in artificial intelligence and its impact on the labor movement. In her new position, she will serve as a crucial resource and advocate for union members on both sides of the border, addressing public policy and workplace issues related to the development and implementation of these novel tools.

John M. Lewis, IATSE Director of Canadian Affairs, elaborated on the importance of this new role, noting that companies employing members across different jurisdictions may choose to implement certain AI technologies in some areas but not others. With this role creation, Arnold will provide invaluable expertise to ensure member interests are safeguarded during negotiations.

Prior to her current position, Arnold served as chair of IATSE's Artificial Intelligence Sub-Committee during the union's 2024 negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This experience enabled her to delve into the potential consequences of AI for her fellow union members. In 2020, she became the first woman and video engineer elected president of IATSE Local 695, the longest-standing union in the union's 90-year history.

Arnold served two terms as president, representing production sound, video, and projection workers in the Hollywood jurisdiction.

Speaking about her career, Arnold emphasized her fascination with technology and its ability to expand what workers can accomplish. However, she also acknowledged the importance of having a strong voice in determining how technologies are developed and integrated into the workplace. She expressed her excitement about combining her experiences in her new role and ensuring that technological advancements benefit and strengthen the crafts and individuals who perform them.