SAG-AFTRA members have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike authorization on the Interactive Media Agreement, which governs their work in the video game industry.
98.32% of members voted in favor of the strike authorization, with 34,687 members casting their ballots. This show of support represents 27.47% of eligible voters.
The union has been engaged in negotiations with leading video game companies, including Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Epic Games, Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc., since October 2022.
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These negotiations encompass the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA), a pivotal contract that determines the terms under which union members work in the interactive media sector.
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland noted, “After five rounds of bargaining, it has become abundantly clear that the video game companies aren’t willing to meaningfully engage on the critical issues: compensation undercut by inflation, unregulated use of AI, and safety. I remain hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement that meets members’ needs, but our members are done being exploited, and iI, and safety. I remain hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement that meets members’ needs, but our members are done being exploited, and if these corporations aren’t willing to offer a fair deal, our next stop will be the picket lines.”
REELated:
Several pressing concerns have come to the forefront during these negotiations, including:
- Compensation Eroded by Inflation: Union members are grappling with the erosion of their compensation due to the adverse effects of inflation, making it challenging to maintain a professional living in their chosen field.
- Unregulated Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): The unregulated use of AI in the industry poses a significant threat to the voices and likenesses that serve as the foundation of professional acting careers. This issue calls for comprehensive safeguards.
- Member Safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of union members during their work in the interactive media sector is a non-negotiable priority. Adequate safety measures are essential for the health and welfare of all involved.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract. The result of this vote shows our membership understands the existential nature of these negotiations, and that the time is now for these companies — which are making billions of dollars and paying their CEOs lavishly — to give our performers an agreement that keeps performing in video games as a viable career.”
The upcoming bargaining session is scheduled for September 26, 27, and 28. The overwhelming support for the strike authorization vote is anticipated to provide additional leverage during negotiations and motivate the companies to make substantial progress on these critical issues where significant differences still exist.
Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez emphasized the shared concerns across the entertainment industry, saying, “Between the exploitative uses of AI and lagging wages, those who work in video games are facing many of the same issues as those who work in film and television. This strike authorization makes an emphatic statement that we must reach an agreement that will fairly compensate these talented performers, provide common-sense safety measures, and allow them to work with dignity. Our members’ livelihoods depend on it.”
The strike authorization vote was initiated based on the unanimous recommendation of the SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee and National Board. Eligible members received voting information on September 5, and the final deadline for voting was today at 5 p.m. PT.
It’s crucial to note that the strike authorization does not signify an immediate strike action. Instead, it serves as a potent bargaining tool as SAG-AFTRA resumes negotiations with signatory video game companies.
Meanwhile, there is still no date set for SAG-AFFTRA to return to the bargaining table with the AMPTP.
For Reel 360 News’ full strike coverage, click here.
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