Equity, the leading arts union, has released new directives for workers in the United Kingdom in response to the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

The UK's Equity union for performing arts and entertainment has declared its backing for SAG-AFTRA’s recent decision to strike against video game companies.

In a press release on its website, John Barclay, assistant general secretary, stated that Equity "stands in total solidarity" with SAG-AFTRA’s "brave decision to authorise a strike against US video game companies."

"Voice and performance capture artists are crucial to this multibillion-dollar industry, giving life to characters that make games successful," Barclay remarked.

"We align ourselves with SAG-AFTRA in this global effort to ensure fair compensation and safeguard our members' rights, which is particularly pressing as artificial intelligence advances."

Due to legislative restrictions in the UK, Equity cannot partake in the strike, as performers participating may face legal consequences such as dismissal or lawsuits for breach of contract.

Equity has provided guidance for SAG-AFTRA members contracted in the UK, advising them to continue fulfilling their contractual duties. The US-based union cannot punish members working in the UK for adhering to these duties under British law.

Barclay further commented: "With the strike now authorized, it is essential for studios, producers, and game developers operating in the UK to be forthcoming with performers and inform our members if work is being commissioned for a struck company. Overuse of non-disclosure agreements should not be allowed to weaken the bargaining power of the creative workforce."