SAG-AFTRA Members Greenlight Video Game Strike

The SAG-AFTRA union has secured member approval for a potential strike affecting video game actors and performers, with a significant turnout of over 34,600 ballots cast, representing 27.47% of eligible voters. The vote saw 98.32% of members endorse the strike authorisation, although this does not automatically trigger a strike. The union had called for the vote to strengthen its negotiating position in discussions with major video game publishers and developers regarding the Interactive Media Agreement. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher urged video game companies to negotiate seriously, stating, "It's time for these companies to take our demands seriously and reach a fair agreement, considering the vast profits they generate and the lavish compensation their CEOs receive." The union has been engaged in negotiations with companies like Activision Productions, Electronic Arts Productions, and Epic Games since 2022, with the next round of talks scheduled for late September. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA's national executive director and chief negotiator, expressed frustration with the video game companies' reluctance to address key issues such as inflation-adjusted compensation and the unregulated use of AI, warning that if a fair deal is not reached, the union will consider taking strike action.