Breaking News: Video Game Actors Strike Imminent as Bargaining Talks Hit a Dead End
SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing video game actors, urges its members to vote for strike authorization as bargaining talks show no progress A potential video game actors strike looms closer, raising concerns about the future of the industry
SAG-AFTRA, the largest labor union representing performers and broadcasters worldwide, is urging its members to vote for the organization's right to initiate a strike if necessary. This initiative mainly aims to safeguard video game performers from challenges like inadequate compensation and the use of AI to replicate their appearances.
President Fran Drescher has expressed her concerns regarding these issues on Twitter through a video, urging individuals to take action. She clarifies that this vote is solely to authorize the potential use of a strike as a bargaining tool against companies, rather than an immediate call for a strike. Eligible members of SAG-AFTRA can access information about the Interactive Media Agreement and cast their votes on the official website.
"Now is the time to demonstrate our unity with video game performers," states Drescher in the video. "It has been almost a year since SAG-AFTRA initiated negotiations for the interactive media agreement with video game companies. Despite numerous lengthy bargaining sessions, the companies are refusing to meet the demands of our members in crucial areas."In 2016 and 2017, voice actors in the video game industry staged an 11-month strike, resulting in an agreement to enhance working conditions. SAG-AFTRA has also joined the WGA in participating in the Hollywood strike earlier this year, with both of these strikes still ongoing. As a consequence, the work stoppage and subsequent delays have already caused Warner Bros. to incur a loss of $500 million.
SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating for almost a year to finalize the Interactive Media Agreement. However, it claims that companies have been delaying meetings to address members' important needs. The website of SAG-AFTRA includes a list of companies participating in the negotiations, such as Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Productions, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games.
SAG-AFTRA, also known as the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, has scheduled bargaining sessions with video game companies from September 26-28. Members must submit their vote by 5 PM PT on Monday, September 25.
