UK actors’ union Equity has applauded the “tenacity and persistence” of SAG-AFTRA video game performers, following news the US union has reached a tentative agreement after almost a year on strike. It now calls upon the industry to negotiate for UK performers too.
Yesterday, the US union shared news of its tentative agreement with multiple video game companies over the Interactive Media Agreement. The strike, which began last July, will continue until the agreement is finalised.
A key reason for the strike was the need to protect performers from AI abuse. It’s unclear what protections have been included in this new tentative agreement, but SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has stated the “necessary AI guardrails” have been put in place.
“Everyone at SAG-AFTRA is immensely grateful for the sacrifices made by video game performers and the dedication of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee throughout these many months of the video game strike,” said Crabtree-Ireland. “Patience and persistence has resulted in a deal that puts in place the necessary AI guardrails that defend performers’ livelihoods in the AI age, alongside other important gains.”