The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has expressed its "complete solidarity with striking members of SAG-AFTRA"
The Communications Workers of America (CWA), representing employees from major gaming companies like Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard Entertainment, Sega, and ZeniMax, announced its "complete solidarity with striking members of SAG-AFTRA."
The Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) initiated a strike last week after no agreement was reached with the convenience bargaining group over concerns tied to AI technology advancements. (Learn more about the strike here)
"We wholeheartedly embrace SAG-AFTRA's demand for clear, enforceable terms that safeguard all video game professionals from possible AI-driven exploitation and job displacement," stated the CWA.
"Going on strike is always a challenging decision, driven by management's disregard for the crucial demands of their employees," the statement continued.
Reflecting the deep understanding of the gaming industry's workers, the CWA emphasized the importance of protecting creative talent, noting that such protections would bolster the industry as a whole.
The CWA further stated, "Our dedication and effort have made the video game sector one of the most lucrative entertainment industries globally."
"We recognize the significance of collective action in enhancing standards across our industry. A union contract is the best method for safeguarding against AI-related risks. This is why we're committed to securing protections against technology misuse, improving working conditions, addressing frequent layoffs, and more for all video game employees," the statement expressed.
"We urge all workers to support SAG-AFTRA members and encourage other video game professionals to unionize. By working together, we can continue creating top-tier video games and ensure our creativity and skills are well-protected."
The decision to strike follows the SAG-AFTRA National Board's unanimous consent last week, allowing its chief negotiator the authority to call a strike when necessary to safeguard voice actors as studios increasingly explore generative AI. (More details here)
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA, cited over a year and a half of negotiations without reaching a deal regarding the Interactive Media Agreement as the reason for the strike.
