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With one strike already underway, SAG-AFTRA announced Friday that it will seek authorization for a second strike against the major video game companies.
The union has a separate contract with the major video game makers, including Activision and Electronic Arts. The contract was originally due to expire last Nov. 7, but was extended for a year to allow for further discussions. The talks are due to resume on Sept. 26.
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA’s president, Fran Drescher, blasted the video game companies for their “greed and disrespect.”
SAG-AFTRA went on strike against the video game companies in October 2016. The strike lasted 11 months.
This time around, the union is seeking rest periods and safety protections, in addition to the wage increases and AI provisions. The union wants an on-set medic for video games, similar to current provisions in TV and film, and a prohibition against stunts during self-taped auditions.
Ballots are due at 5 p.m. PT on Sept. 25. The union will also hold informational meetings for affected members during the voting period.
While this is specifically for SAG; anecdotally, it seems the WGA/ SAG strikes have inspired other unions to stand up for themselves too (auto workers and flight attendants unions).
Hopefully this might inspire the video game industry workers to unionize as well.
