Game-Changing Negotiations Resumed: Video Game Actors and Publishers Revive Talks
SAG-AFTRA and Interactive Media Bargaining Group Resume Negotiations Amid Ongoing Strike
The video game industry has been in a state of flux as SAG-AFTRA, the union representing performers and voice actors, and the interactive media bargaining group, comprising companies like Activision, Insomniac Games, Take Two, and Electronic Arts, have been locked in a labor dispute. For almost two years, the two parties have been negotiating a new agreement, with SAG-AFTRA members authorizing a strike in September 2023.
What Led to the Strike?
The situation escalated when SAG-AFTRA members voted for strike authorization in September, putting the spotlight on the eight-week refusal to bargain negotiations. Fearing a strike would be necessary if a deal wasn’t reached, the union threatened to take action if the two parties couldn’t come to a mutually agreeable solution. Following this, a strike was formally authorized, with SAG-AFTRA members starting their picketing efforts on July 26th.
Recent Developments: Negotiations Resume, Unfair Labor Complaint Filed
The pendulum has swung back to the negotiating table, with SAG-AFTRA announcing that it has added League of Legends to the list of struck games. The union has also filed an unfair labor complaint against Formosa Entertainment, the company responsible for providing voice acting services to League of Legends and other titles developed by Riot Games. SAG-AFTRA claims Formosa attempted to circumvent the strike by hiring non-union talent, further exacerbating the situation.
No Additional Comments from SAG-AFTRA or the Interactive Media Bargaining Group
As the negotiations continue, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the developments and their potential impact on the gaming industry. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story.
Key Points to Remember:
• SAG-AFTRA and interactive media bargaining group have been negotiating a new agreement for almost two years, with members authorizing a strike in September 2023.
• The situation escalated when SAG-AFTRA members voted for strike authorization, with a strike formally authorized on July 26th.
• SAG-AFTRA has added League of Legends to the list of struck games.
• The union has filed an unfair labor complaint against Formosa Entertainment for allegedly hiring non-union talent to circumvent the strike.
• No additional comments have been made by SAG-AFTRA or the interactive media bargaining group at this time.
