SAG-AFTRA Union Members Vote to Authorize Video Game Strike

Update, 9/29/23:

The SAG-AFTRA union has voted to authorize a strike in the video game industry. However, the union clarified that it has not yet initiated a strike but is using this authorization as leverage in its negotiations. The union aims to strike a new Interactive Media Agreement contract with producers and employers.

Negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and video game employers concluded recently without reaching a deal. A joint statement released by both parties announced that the current agreement will remain in effect while they continue their efforts to reach a deal.

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Original story, 9/26/23:

SAG-AFTRA union members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike on the Interactive Media Agreement within the video game industry. The vote, with a 98.72% majority in favor, allows the union to begin a strike if necessary. The union sees this as a way to gain leverage in their ongoing negotiations.

SAG-AFTRA has been in negotiations with several video game companies since October of last year. The union claims that these companies have refused to offer acceptable terms regarding critical issues such as wages, protections against the exploitative use of artificial intelligence, and basic safety precautions.

The next bargaining session is scheduled to take place over the next two days.

The SAG-AFTRA president, Fran Drescher, emphasizes the importance of reaching an agreement that supports video game performers. Drescher argues that it is time for these profitable companies to offer fair compensation that recognizes the video game industry as a viable career choice.

According to SAG-AFTRA national executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the video game companies have shown a lack of willingness to engage in meaningful discussions on critical issues related to compensation, unregulated use of AI, and safety. Crabtree-Ireland states that if a fair deal cannot be reached, the union is prepared to go on strike.

The video game producers party involved in the Interactive Media Agreement negotiations has expressed optimism about finding a resolution. They have already reached tentative agreements on over half of the proposals.

This vote for strike authorization by SAG-AFTRA members follows the Writers Guild of America’s tentative agreement in Hollywood, which is expected to end a nearly five-month strike. SAG-AFTRA clarifies that this strike authorization vote does not impact the ongoing strike in the TV/Theatrical contract negotiations.

Background

This is not the first time SAG-AFTRA has called for a strike in the video game industry. In 2016, a strike lasted almost a year before a new contract was signed in 2017. The contract, initially set to expire in 2020, was extended to 2022 to provide stability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current negotiations aim to address compensation disparities, the use of AI, and safety concerns. SAG-AFTRA argues that video game industry workers face similar issues to those in the film and television industries.

This strike authorization vote coincides with ongoing negotiations in the TV/Theatrical contract and follows the recent Writers Guild of America tentative agreement.