SAG-AFTRA prepares for a strike authorization vote against video game firms! Learn more about the purpose of the vote, which companies face possible strikes, and more.
SAG-AFTRA Initiates a Strike Authorization Against Video Game Companies
Aims to Ensure the Rights and Interest of Video Game Performers
The Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)'s National Board has unanimously voted to call a strike authorization vote among its members. This action is being taken as the union prepares for significant negotiations with several well-known video gaming companies. This decision's primary goal is to ensure that the rights and interests of game performers are also appropriately protected.
The list of video game companies that could potentially face a strike includes industry heavyweights such as Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games, Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.
Negotiations For New Interactive (Video Game) Agreement
The context for this vote is the ongoing contract discussions between SAG-AFTRA and these video game firms. The previous contract, which covered critical areas of performers' employment in the gaming business, expired last year. As a result, the union has been working hard to reach an agreement that answers its members' concerns and reflects the changing landscape of video game creation.
The union's primary objectives include wage hikes for video game performers, steps to ban the unrestricted use of artificial intelligence, and other critical labor safeguards. Artificial intelligence, in particular, has aroused concerns within the union because it can replace human voice and performance-capture artists, potentially resulting in job losses.
Authorization Vote Does Not Guarantee Immediate Strike
It's crucial to remember that a vote to authorize a strike does not automatically lead to one. Instead, it gives the union the power to announce a strike should the video game corporations refuse to agree to the union's requests. It acts as an effective tool for negotiation, demonstrating the union's will to uphold the interests of its members.
Voting information postcards will be sent to SAG-AFTRA eligible voters, who will use them to decide whether or not to authorize a strike. Voting will be open from September 5 until September 25, at 5 PM Pacific Time, and the union welcomes all members' input.
Source:
SAG-AFTRA Official Website
