CBS News Writers Secure Contract with AI Safeguards and Pay Raises

Writers at CBS News 24/7 have approved a new three-year labor agreement, establishing notable standards for how artificial intelligence can be used in a newsroom. The deal, ratified unanimously by the 60-member Writers Guild of America East unit, directly addresses generative AI with specific worker protections.

The contract mandates that management must provide advance notice before implementing any generative AI system. Writers retain the right to refuse a credit or byline on work that uses AI-generated material. The company also agreed to hold regular meetings with the guild on the topic and will negotiate over AI's impact as legally required. For staff laid off specifically due to AI integration, severance will be increased by 50%. The company will also provide legal protection for employees who use AI tools in accordance with corporate policy.

Financially, the agreement delivers annual wage increases of 3%, 3.5%, and 3% over its term, retroactive to March 10. Employees will receive a $1,500 ratification bonus, and salary minimums have been raised, with the lowest floor set at $68,000 in the first year. Other gains include improved severance without a cap, enhanced overtime pay for exempt employees, and better benefits for travel and commuting.

The bargaining committee credited member solidarity for the outcome, which followed a one-day work stoppage in March. WGAE Vice President Beth Godvik noted the contract was negotiated 'as CBS News was in the middle of significant upheaval,' including recent layoffs, calling the AI and compensation terms 'meaningful protections that will matter for years to come.'

Source: Deadline