WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met virtually with representatives from entertainment unions, including the American Federation of Musicians, the Department for Professional Employees, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and the Writers Guild of America East.
The conversation was part of Ambassador Tai’s engagement with a broad range of stakeholders that will inform the development and implementation of USTR’s worker-centered trade policy.
Union leaders emphasized the importance of copyright protections in trade agreements and ensuring foreign collective management organizations pay U.S. artists the royalties they collect overseas. They also raised digital trade issues, including the importance of protecting copyrighted works from online piracy. Ambassador Tai stated that she appreciated their updates, including on the impacts of online piracy, and agreed to continue consulting with relevant stakeholders.
The Ambassador also reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to increasing COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution. Ambassador Tai and the union leaders pledged to continue working together on issues of shared importance and to maintain an open line of communication.
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