In July, the American actors’ union SAG-AFTRA went on strike for fairer wages and working conditions. Following in the footsteps of the Writers Guild of America, who went on strike in May, the gaming industry is now facing the possibility of industrial action.
SAG-AFTRA announced on Friday that their national board unanimously supported sending a strike authorization vote to its members before new negotiations with major video game companies. This includes well-known gaming conglomerates such as Activision, EA, Epic Games, and Insomniac.
While a strike authorization does not immediately declare a strike, it grants the union’s members the power to do so if negotiations fail. Given the current situation in Hollywood, the likelihood of industrial action seems high, although nothing is certain at this point.
This potential strike would be the second one by SAG-AFTRA in the video game industry, with the first occurring in 2016. The previous strike lasted for a lengthy 11 months until the union finally reached an agreement with the video game industry in 2017. The resulting agreement brought about improved bonuses for successful games and increased transparency, allowing performers to adequately prepare for their roles.
The union has expressed its dissatisfaction with corporations allegedly neglecting the needs of voice actors and video game performers. Their demands mirror those made to the TV and film industries since July: an 11% retroactive pay increase and protection against artificial intelligence (AI).
SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland stated, “Voice and performance capture AI are already among the most advanced uses of AI: the threat is here and it is real. Without contractual protections, the employers are asking performers to unknowingly participate in the extinction of their artistry and livelihoods.” The organization’s focus on safeguarding against AI appears to be the central issue.
The vote is scheduled to open on September 5th and close on the 25th.
Source: DOTESPORTS
