Disneyland employees ratify a new contract with the theme park, gaining a 31 percent wage increase
Disneyland workers have voted to approve a new contract with the theme park, locking in a more than $6 hourly pay raise over three years for most employees and a $24-an-hour base pay. The contract covers 14,000 Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney employees from four unions, including ride operators, store clerks, and ticketers. Previously, many were making $19.90 an hour — Anaheim's minimum wage for hospitality workers. A coalition of unions representing the Disneyland workers say the contract also includes an extra pay boost for long term employees, a sticking point in negotiations. The goes into effect immediately, according to the unions.
Joining us today to discuss the contract and how it compares to other leaders in the industry is Robert Niles, founder and editor of Theme Park Insider.
With files from LAist
The state of the video game industry: job loss, AI and more
It is tough times for a lot of industries out there, and the video game industry is no exception. Mass job loss over the last couple years, moves to utilize artificial intelligence in jobs and game development, and now voice actors are in the middle of a strike after talks for a new contract with major game studios broke down over artificial intelligence protections. The move comes after nearly two years of negotiations with gaming giants, including divisions of Activision, Warner Bros. and Walt Disney Co., over a new interactive media agreement. SAG-AFTRA negotiators say gains have been made over wages and job safety in the video game contract, but that the two sides remained split over the regulation of generative AI. Today on AirTalk, we break down the latest happenings in the industry and what the biggest challenges are. Joining to discuss is Jason Schreier, journalist who covers the video game industry and author of the forthcoming book Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard Entertainment (Grand Central Publishing, October 8, 2024).
With files from the Associated Press
Deepfakes and AI images may be protected under free speech
AI is becoming more pervasive in our everyday lives. AI tools pop up on search engines and you can't scroll through any social media site without coming across an AI image. Images and videos created by using deep machine learning are called "deepfakes". People may remember the 2018 video of Jordan Peele voicing the deepfake of President Barack Obama, as part of a campaign to warn the public about the potential risk these tools pose to sow disinformation. In the years since, AI technology has become much more accessible causing deepfakes to cross from obvious spoof into more harmful content, such as fake celebrity porn, revenge porn of everyday people, and copyright infringements on people's voice and likeness to sell products. Laws are trying to catch up to the exponential growth of this technology and the harm it can cause, but there remains reservations around regulation as these images and videos may be protected under free speech. But where does free speech protection end and rights to privacy and consent begin? And what about protection against disinformation?
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the legal gray area deepfakes reside in with Brian Hauss, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, and Ari Waldman, professor of law at UC Irvine, and talk about how this technology can be safely regulated.
How is Vice President Kamala Harris rebranding herself for her presidential bid?
Ever since President Biden dropped out of the race last week (Sunday, July 21st), Vice President Kamala Harris has been traveling the country, making appearances, as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Many see this moment as an opportunity for Vice President Harris to reintroduce herself to the country. What are her own views? How will they hold up against Donald Trump? How is her campaign rebranding her as…presidential? Joining us today on AirTalk is New York Times reporter Reid Epstein and veteran political advisor and commentator and former campaign manager for Senator Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid in 2007-2008, Patti Solis Doyle.
Checking in with LA restaurants as Al Fresco ordinance gets extended by Mayor Bass
Following an outpouring of support for Al Fresco, the outdoor dining ordinance that helped so many businesses stay alive during the pandemic, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has decided to extend the application deadline for restaurants in the city to apply for the permit. The ordinance also comes at a time where we are seeing not only an uptick in summer COVID-19 cases but also restaurants struggling to balance their books. Although the price of upkeep for outdoor dining is expensive, it’s also a necessity some have had to continue to pursue. It’s because of all this that we’ve decided to check in on restaurants, hearing about their thoughts on the ordinance. Today on AirTalk, we’ll hear from listeners and talk to Eddie Navarrette, executive director of the Independent Hospitality Coalition, and Suzanne Tracht, owner and chef at Jar.
The kid-friendliest restaurants in SoCal
Every parent knows choosing a place to go out to eat becomes a totally different ball game when you introduce children into the equation. There’s a lot to consider -- does the restaurant offer basics like high chairs/booster seats, a kids menu or a diaper-changing station? Is the vibe of the place one that feels welcoming to kids and not like you’re burdening your fellow diners by showing up with your little one? And while it’s not a must, places that have dedicated spaces or activities for kids are definitely a plus for parents looking to be able to enjoy a meal out without having to spend every waking second entertaining their child.
Today on AirTalk, we want to hear from all you parents out there -- what’s your go-to kid friendly restaurant in Southern California? What makes it a comfortable place for you to take your little ones? Join our live conversation by calling us at 866-893-5722 or by emailing atcomments@laist.com.
