SAG-AFTRA Members Vote To Authorize Strike Against Video Game Industry (5)

SAG-AFTRA Members Vote To Authorize Strike Against Video Game Industry


SAG-AFTRA Members Vote To Authorize Strike Against Video Game Industry
September 26, 2023
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SAG-AFTRA members on Monday voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike against ten major video game companies.

The union is currently on strike against the TV and film industry, as is the WGA (Writers Guild of America), which has resulted in a total Hollywood shutdown. The WGA went on strike beginning May 2, while SAG-AFTRA’s work stoppage began July 14.

Now, the video game industry is under the spotlight as another potential strike looms. The union’s last strike against the gaming companies lasted 183 days in 2016 and 2017, per a Deadline report.

“It’s time for the video game companies to stop playing games and get serious about reaching an agreement on this contract,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said in a statement.

Monday’s vote gives the national board the authority to call a strike. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.

“The result of this vote shows our membership understands the existential nature of these negotiations, and that the time is now for these companies — which are making billions of dollars and paying their CEOs lavishly — to give our performers an agreement that keeps performing in video games as a viable career,” Drescher continued.

Many of the union’s demands are similar to those requested by writers and actors striking against the studios, centered on compensation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).



“After five rounds of bargaining, it has become abundantly clear that the video game companies aren’t willing to meaningfully engage on the critical issues: compensation undercut by inflation, unregulated use of AI, and safety,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said.

“I remain hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement that meets members’ needs, but our members are done being exploited, and if these corporations aren’t willing to offer a fair deal, our next stop will be the picket lines.”

Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game companies, said they are working hard to work out a deal and avoid another strike.

“We all want a fair contract that reflects the important contributions of SAG-AFTRA-represented performers in an industry that delivers world-class entertainment to billions of players around the world. We are negotiating in good faith and hope to reach a mutually beneficial deal as soon as possible,” Cooling said.

Both sides are reportedly set to resume negotiations on Tuesda

Hwood lives on credit. Actors take out mortgages on expensive homes, cars and what not. They have no real wealth.
Korzybski the Semanticist stated that real wealth had been owned for a very long time, land and resources.
Hwood tends to cook the books so no film actually makes a profit and they don't have to pay taxes.
The real problem is Hwood doesn't need live people anymore. AI and DEEP FAKES, like the Japanese and Chinese Hologram news readers, can easily replace those pampered shits for far less.
Same with writers.
Jump on the cheap crappy free CHATGPT and have it write a story withing parameters you define.
You can keep reloading until you find something closer to what you like.
Personally I find it very hard to uncover anything new or unique.
Gore replaced Horror, debauchery and childishness replaced Adult cartoons and most film.
Action films are dull and repetitious.
They f*cked themselves badly now they know they will pay the price.