Empowering Voice Actors: SAG-AFTRA Grants Strike Authority to Protect Interactive Media Performers

In a bold move to safeguard the rights and well-being of its members, the SAG-AFTRA National Board has granted its executive director and chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the power to call an immediate strike. This action aims to protect voice actors working under the Interactive Media Agreement, a critical contract that governs the video game industry's treatment of these talented performers.

Securing the Future of Interactive Media Performers

Representing a Diverse Workforce

SAG-AFTRA is a comprehensive union that represents approximately 160,000 professionals across various media industries, including actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, and voiceover artists. This expansive membership reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of the entertainment landscape, with voice actors and performers in the video game industry playing a crucial role.

The Interactive Media Agreement: A Battleground for Fairness

The Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) is a crucial contract that has been adopted by major industry players, such as EA, Activision, Epic Games, and Insomniac. This agreement serves as the foundation for the working conditions and compensation of video game voice actors and performers. However, SAG-AFTRA is currently engaged in a battle to renegotiate the IMA, seeking to secure stronger protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced safety measures on set, and fair wages that account for the rising cost of living.

The Threat of a Potential Strike

The SAG-AFTRA National Board's decision to grant Crabtree-Ireland the power to call an immediate strike underscores the union's unwavering commitment to its members. This move comes in response to the perceived reluctance of some employers to embrace the critical provisions proposed by SAG-AFTRA, particularly those related to AI protections. The threat of a strike serves as a powerful bargaining chip, signaling the union's determination to secure a fair deal for its video game performers.

Unwavering Resolve and Commitment

Crabtree-Ireland, the chief negotiator, has made it clear that SAG-AFTRA's resolve remains "unwavering" and that it should not be tested by employers. The union's membership overwhelmingly voted (more than 98%) to authorize a strike, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Crabtree-Ireland has emphasized that the time is running out for companies to reach a satisfactory agreement, warning that the next step may be the picket lines if a fair deal is not reached.

The Ongoing Negotiations and Impasse

The negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the employers have been ongoing for nearly a year since the initial strike authorization vote. Despite the union's efforts, it appears that the two sides remain far apart on the resolution of the necessary terms, particularly those covering the critical AI protections for video game performers. This impasse has prompted the National Board's decision to grant the strike authority, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the union's determination to secure a fair deal for its members.

The Importance of Protecting Video Game Performers

Crabtree-Ireland has emphasized the vital role that video game performers play in the industry, stating that their "extraordinary performances are the heart and soul of the world's most popular video games." This recognition highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of these talented individuals, who bring the virtual worlds of video games to life through their vocal artistry.In conclusion, the SAG-AFTRA National Board's decision to grant strike authority to its executive director and chief negotiator represents a bold and necessary step in the ongoing battle to protect the rights and interests of voice actors and performers in the interactive media industry. As the negotiations continue, the threat of a strike serves as a powerful tool to compel employers to come to the table with a fair and equitable deal that addresses the critical concerns of SAG-AFTRA's members.