On Friday, the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union announced that it’s now seeking to hold a strike against video game production companies.
“It has been nearly a year since SAG-AFTRA’s video game contract, the Interactive Media Agreement, was extended beyond the original expiration date as we negotiated with the companies for critical terms SAG-AFTRA members need,” the union said.
“Unfortunately, throughout the negotiations, the companies have failed to address those needs. For this reason, the negotiating committee and National Board unanimously agreed that the union should have a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on Sept. 26.”
The discussions include video game firms 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.
The arrangement pertaining to video games stands distinct from the agreement that covers actors. If you’re not aware, the union is currently on strike due to ongoing discussions with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Additionally, the union emphasized the similarity of numerous critical matters between the two, particularly centered around compensation and protection against the utilization of artificial intelligence.
According to the statement, SAG-AFTRA is aiming for an 11% retrospective wage hike and 4% increments during the second and third years of the contract. Their demands also includes mandatory intervals for rest, the presence of on-set medical personnel during stunts or risky tasks, and measures to safeguard against vocal strain. Informational cards outlining details about the strike-authorization vote are scheduled for mailing to eligible union members on Tuesday, with the voting process concluding on September 25th.
