SAG-AFTRA Members Approve New Agreement, Bringing an End to the Strike

The SAG-AFTRA membership has given its approval to the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Video Game Agreement, with a significant 95.04% voting in favour, thus marking the official conclusion of the video game strike. Upon implementation, the new agreement will introduce a pay increase of 15.17%, accompanied by an additional 3% rise over the subsequent three years, commencing in November 2025. Furthermore, the maximum overtime rate for performers exceeding scale has been adjusted to a double scale. Contributions to the AFTRA Retirement Fund for health and retirement will see an increase from 16.5% to 17%, with a further rise to 17.5% slated for October 2026. As highlighted by the union, measures have been established to ensure 'safety and gains related to AI', including the requirement for consent and disclosure in the event of AI digital replica use, as well as the ability for performers to withdraw consent for the generation of new content during a strike. SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, expressed his gratitude, stating: 'We extend our deepest appreciation to the video game performers and allies who made significant sacrifices throughout the 11-month strike.' He also added: 'I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, led by Sarah Elmaleh, who have worked tirelessly for nearly three years to secure these essential gains and protections, alongside our negotiating staff and lead negotiator Ray Rodriguez.' Crabtree-Ireland continued: 'Now that the agreement has been ratified, video game performers can look forward to enjoying substantial gains and crucial AI protections, which we will continue to build upon as the uses of this technology evolve.' Audrey Cooling, spokesperson for video game producers, commented: 'We are pleased that SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new Interactive Media Agreement, which provides historic wage increases, industry-leading AI protections, and enhanced health and safety measures for performers.' 'We look forward to continuing our decades-long partnership with the union and creating groundbreaking entertainment experiences for billions of players worldwide,' she added. In September 2023, 98% of SAG-AFTRA members voted in favour of authorising a strike against major publishers, including Activision Productions, EA Productions, Insomniac Games, and Take 2 Productions, in a bid to protect performers against AI and ensure job security. Last month, SAG-AFTRA's national board gave its approval to the tentative agreement with the convenience bargaining group for its Interactive Media Contract.