SAG-AFTRA: Strike authorization would provide "maximum leverage" against game companies

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists () has issued a statement now that the organization is resuming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The actors union group SAG-AFTRA has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a potential strike against the games industry. Members were nearly unanimous, with 98.32 per cent of the vote being in favour of a strike — if a strike is necessary.

SAG-AFTRA union members have voted yes to authorize a video game strike. It did so with a 98.72% vote in favor of authorizing a strike on the Interactive Media Agreement that covers its members' work in the games industry. In total, 34,687 members cast ballots, which represents 27.47% of eligible voters, SAG-AFTRA writes in a press release. 

SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, broadcast journalists, hosts, voice actors, and other media professionals in the US, has voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against videogame companies including Activision, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, and Take-Two Interactive. The vote does not mean that a strike will be called, but the union hopes it will provide «added leverage» in its negotiations for a new Interactive Media Agreement.

The vote to authorize a potential strike for SAG-AFTRA video game performers passed overwhelmingly.

It’s been a very unique time in Hollywood lately, as the last several months have been highlighted not only by certain movies doing incredibly at the box office but also by the dual strikes that have been filling the streets of Los Angeles, protesting the work conditions of those within the entertainment industry. It started back in May when the Writers Guild went on strike and demanded both better pay and knowledge that AI wouldn’t be used to replace them, amongst other things. Then, SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild, also joined the fight because the vast amount of their workers weren’t being paid fairly either.

By Ash Parrish, a reporter who has covered the business, culture, and communities of video games for seven years. Previously, she worked at Kotaku.

SAG-AFTRA members have approved a strike authorization vote to enable the union to strike against game companies if deemed necessary.

Hollywood has been brought to a near screeching halt due to the SAG-AFTRA strike which concerns many pressing issues in the entertainment industry, including payment for streaming residuals and worries regarding the ethical use of AI.

Yesterday (Monday, September 25), the American labor union, The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike on the Interactive Media Agreement which covers its members’ work on games.

Members of the major SAG-AFTRA acting union have overwhelmingly voted in favour of authorising a potential video game strike.

SAG-AFTRA members have voted in favor of a strike authorization on the Interactive Media agreement that covers the video game works of the member with overwhelming approval.