SAG-AFTRA can call for immediate strikes if gaming companies refuse to protect AI.

AI For Business


The SAG-AFTRA National Committee has authorized National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree Ireland to call for an immediate strike to protect voice performers working under the Interactive Media Agreement.

SAG-AFTRA is a large union that represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, show hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, narrators and other media professionals.

Notably, its members include voice actors and performers working in the gaming industry, who are protected by the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) adopted by major companies such as EA, Activision, Epic Games and Insomniac.

SAG-AFTRA is currently trying to renegotiate the agreement to include stronger AI protections, improved on-set safety measures, and inflation-prone wage increases. The union claims some employers are unhappy with some of these provisions, particularly those relating to the use of AI, and now has the power to call for immediate strikes if negotiations reach an impasse.

“If requested, the strike would extend to all services covered by the Interactive Media Agreement, and all SAG-AFTRA members would cease providing all services and performing all work covered by the IMA.” Read the press release“The parties are currently in negotiations, but there remain significant gaps in resolving the requirements covering AI protections that are important to video game performers.”

Crabtree Ireland said SAG-AFTRA's resolve is “unwavering” and “should not be tested” by employers. “More than 98 percent of our union's members have voted 'yes' to authorize a strike on this contract if employers do not bring an agreement to the negotiating table that includes these critical provisions, specifically regarding AI,” the lead negotiator said.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to our members, who are engaged in this agreement and whose exceptional performance is the heart and soul of the world's most popular video game. Time is running out for companies to close the deal.”

SAG-AFTRA voice actors Approved the strike authorization voteBut talks appear to still be stalled. Regarding the possibility of a strike at the time, Crabtree Ireland said that union members would not hesitate to call off the strike because they were “sick of being exploited.” “If these companies don't give us a fair deal, the next stop will be the picket lines,” she added.





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