SAG-AFTRA Members Overwhelmingly Approve Potential Strike in Gaming Industry
After a three-week voting period, SAG-AFTRA members have overwhelmingly approved the potential strike in the gaming industry. The Guild announced earlier this month that they would be calling for a vote to authorize a strike, with the results being released today. Over 98% of the 34,687 ballots cast by the members were in favor of calling a strike on interactive media. However, it’s important to note that a strike has not been called yet. The authorization to strike simply allows the union to start one if negotiations with industry leaders fail.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher commented on the vote, 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 union highlighted ten companies for negotiation talks: Activision, Blindlight, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Take 2 Interactive, VoiceWorks Productions, and WB Games. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland expressed hope for a fair agreement, but added, 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.
The issues at stake involve compensation undercut by inflation, unregulated use of AI, and safety concerns. Chief Contracts Officer Ray Rodriguez emphasized the need for a fair agreement that would compensate performers adequately, provide safety measures, and allow them to work with dignity. Rodriguez also highlighted the similarities between the issues faced by those in the video game, film, and television industries.
The vote by SAG-AFTRA members to authorize a potential strike in the gaming industry sends a strong message to video game companies. The overwhelming support for strike action demonstrates the urgency for fair treatment and compensation for performers. The outcome of this negotiation will have significant implications for the future of the gaming industry and the career prospects of those involved. It remains to be seen how the companies will respond and if negotiations can lead to a mutually satisfactory agreement. The possibility of a strike looms if a fair deal is not reached, with performers prepared to take to the picket lines in order to protect their livelihoods.
