Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Arts & Entertainment

Strike Against Video Game Industry Could Be Next For SAG-AFTRA

The left image is a headshot of actor Erik Passoja. The right image is of Passoja's digital likeness in a video game. He wears black and white body armor.
On the left: Erik Passoja's headshot; On the right: an image of Passoja's digital likeness in a video game
(
Headshot courtesy Erik Passoja
)

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.

Topline:

The national board of the SAG-AFTRA union has voted to send a strike authorization vote to members in regards to the Interactive (Video Game) Media Agreement. The union is asking for protections around artificial intelligence, wage increases and informed consent for use of digital replicas, among other demands.

Aren't actors already on strike?  They are. This would expand the strike to work included under the Interactive (Video Game) Media Agreement, which is a separate contract. Today’s move doesn’t ensure a strike, but allows the union to have “a member-approved strike authorization in hand when bargaining resumes on Sept. 26.”

The companies: Game companies facing a possible strike include major developers like Activision, Electronic Arts and Epic Games.

What’s next: Voting information will be mailed to eligible members on Sept 5. and voting will close at 5 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Go deeper: Striking Actor Says He Has Cautionary Tale About How Companies Might Use Performers’ Digital Replicas

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right