SAG-AFTRA’s National Board unanimously opts for a strike authorization vote for the video game industry.
In a significant move, the National Board of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has unanimously agreed to send a strike authorization vote to its members. This development is part of ongoing negotiations with several video game companies and comes on the heels of unsuccessful talks concerning critical issues like wage hikes, adequate rest periods, and safeguards against the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the industry.
The President of SAG-AFTRA, Fran Drescher, didn’t mince words while discussing the stalemate. “We’re back to square one,” she said. “Employer greed is rearing its ugly head again, and our members are being placed at risk. With advancements in AI potentially eroding employment opportunities, we’re standing up against this. It’s a global issue, affecting not just our industry but also others.”
One of the major sticking points is the ethical and financial implications of using AI that is trained on members’ performances. The union is demanding informed consent and suitable compensation for the use of digital avatars and voices created from their performances. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA’s national executive director and chief negotiator, emphasized that the talented individuals who lend their voices and performances to video game characters deserve a contract that honours their contributions, especially in a field that generates billions of dollars annually.
The union’s proposed Interactive Media Agreement seeks an 11% retroactive wage increase and an additional 4% increase for the second and third years of the new contract. The organization is also pushing for humane work conditions. They’re asking for five-minute rest periods every hour for on-camera performers and want a medical professional on-site when any dangerous stunts are performed. The union also calls for vocal stress protections and prohibitions against performing stunts during self-taped auditions.
Voting information will be mailed to SAG-AFTRA members on September 5, with the voting process slated to wrap up by September 25. Members have also been invited to informational meetings on September 7 and 12. The companies involved in these negotiations include big names like Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Epic Games, to name a few.
Crabtree-Ireland succinctly captured the gravity of the situation, stating, “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.”
SAG-AFTRA is drawing a line in the sand with these negotiations. They’re indicating that member protections and reasonable wages aren’t just amenities; they’re necessities. With SAG-AFTRA now in two high-profile labour disputes, it’s evident that they are taking a stand on behalf of labour rights. As these negotiations unfold, their outcomes may serve as critical precedent-setters, potentially reshaping the industry’s labour practices for years to come and changing the landscape of acting in video games.
