SAG-AFTRA Members Mull Double-Strike Amid Big Screen and Video Game Disputes

SAG-AFTRA members are already on strike against film and TV productions, and they're looking at potentially upping the ante with another strike - this time focused on the video game industry. The guild leaders are advocating for a dual strike, claiming that the issues at stake in both conflicts represent similar concerns, hence a united approach interfaces in much better sense.

According to SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the fight against film, scripted TV productions, and major video game companies is one of the same cloth. They emphasize the significance of solidarity in getting their point across to employers and standing against exploitation. The guild has been on a strike against film and scripted TV productions since July 14, and the authorization vote to strike against ten major video game companies started recently. The only precedent of a strike against the gaming companies lasted a lengthy 183 days in 2016-17.

Negotiations with the video game companies do not affect ongoing strikes, say leaders. Two of the main sticking points - wages and artificial intelligence - resonate in both spheres. According to the guild, an 11% pay raise in the first year followed by 4% in the second and third years, is the fair ask. They argue that such a pay structure is necessary for the members’ wages to keep pace with inflation. The characteristically unanimous stance comes despite reported steady billions in profits made by these large companies.

Artificial intelligence emerges as a concern due to its potential to replicate performances convincingly, thus threatening the performing artists’ livelihood. The guild is fighting for protective language that regulates AI usage, requiring informed consent and appropriate payment. Additionally, there are demands for key safety measures for on-camera performers in the IMA, which are currently missing.

Audrey Cooling, representing the video game companies, expressed a reciprocal desire for a fair contract, claiming that the companies are negotiating in good faith. Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland urged members to vote 'Yes' to authorize a strike if necessary, as they believe that without the looming threat of a work stoppage, management may have little to no motivation to agree upon fair wage increases and AI protections. The voting is due to close on September 25.

---

Switching gears to opinion, it's hard not to empathize with the men and women of SAG-AFTRA as they tackle behemoth corporations. The fact that these multibillion-dollar companies are haggling over wages with their workers while raking in such astronomical figures, is a bit rich, pardon the pun.

When it comes to AI, the Terry Pratchetts of the gaming industry ought to pay attention. The guild is not fighting progress, they are requesting safeguards. I mean, if technology can create "convincing digital replicas" of performers, we're entering a realm more fantastic than the plot lines of some of the games in question. Then again, a digital replica of Jack Nicholson's eyebrows might just break the internet, if not gaming consoles worldwide.

Also worth mentioning, the idea of performers getting their well-deserved rest periods while the rest of us power through levels on our consoles in our PJs at 3 AM is enough to strike a chord.

Ultimately, it is not surprising that a guild of artists is defaulting to a united escape artist act when faced with 'mega-company might'. After all, artistry, like the protagonists in the games they help create, never abandons the fight until the world is saved, or at least, their world.

The technology will surge ahead like the boss villain at the end of a long campaign, but the heroes might just be tuning up their strike strategies. Tune in on September 25 to see who levels up.