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SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike on the Interactive Media Settlement (IMA) that covers members’ work on video video games. Of the 34,687 ballots forged — (27.47% end up), 98.32% voted in favor of the measure. Polls closed in the present day September 25 at 5p.m. PT.
Nonetheless, the strike authorization is just not a name for a right away strike. Since October 2022, SAG-AFTRA has been negotiating with the video game firms that signed onto the IMA. These embody Activision, Blindlight, Disney Character Voices Inc., Digital Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Video games, Epic Video games, Take-Two Interactive, VoiceWorks Productions and WB Video games. If a strike is named, it’s not clear how different studios not lined within the IMA will reply.
“After 5 rounds of bargaining, it has turn into abundantly clear that the video game firms aren’t prepared to meaningfully interact on the important points: compensation undercut by inflation, unregulated use of AI and security,” stated Duncan Crabtree-Eire, SAG-AFTRA nationwide govt director and chief negotiator. “I stay hopeful that we will attain an settlement that meets members’ wants, however our members are executed being exploited, and if these companies aren’t prepared to supply a good deal, our subsequent cease would be the picket traces.”
AI is especially salient for performers who’ve their movement seize performances recorded for video video games. In idea, a performer’s likeness might be used with out approval or compensation to coach an AI if no limits are in place.
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SAG-AFTRA strike parallels in video games
Much like the continuing SAG-AFTRA strike for movie and tv, compensation and rules on using AI are key points for IMA negotiations. SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Settlement Negotiating Committee and Nationwide Board unanimously advisable the strike authorization vote on September 5, 2023.
“Between the exploitative makes use of of AI and lagging wages, those that work in video video games are going through lots of the similar points as those that work in movie and tv,” stated Ray Rodriguez, chief contracts officer. “This strike authorization makes an emphatic assertion that we should attain an settlement that may pretty compensate these gifted performers, present common sense security measures, and permit them to work with dignity. Our members’ livelihoods depend upon it.”
The subsequent bargaining session is scheduled for September 26-28. SAG-AFTRA hopes that the authorization will function added leverage within the talks between the union and the studios.
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