The UK union Equity convenes at the BAFTA Game Awards to advocate for enhanced working conditions for performers
The UK’s Equity union, which represents artists in performing arts and entertainment, made an appearance at the BAFTA Game Awards to advocate for better pay and working conditions for performers.
This initiative is part of Equity's "Game On" campaign, focusing on enhancing workplace standards for actors in the gaming sector.
John Barclay, Equity's assistant general secretary for recorded media, expressed pride in the video game industry's achievements highlighted at the awards. He stressed the union's commitment to addressing unethical practices often reported by members that industry leaders overlook.
Barclay pointed out that the UK video game industry is valued at over £7 billion, with executives from the world's wealthiest companies present at the event. Despite this, he criticized these companies for ignoring calls to negotiate union-based agreements to enhance compensation and conditions for performers.
He further remarked that despite gaming companies benefiting from nearly £200 million in tax incentives, performer wages have remained stagnant. Additionally, protections against misuse of artificial intelligence and nondisclosure agreements are insufficient, and there is a lack of safe working environments to prevent voice and physical injuries or inappropriate recordings of intimate scenes.
Barclay concluded that in such a prosperous industry, better conditions are a right for Equity members.
In July, Equity expressed its alignment with the US-based union SAG-AFTRA, supporting its decision to strike against American video game companies due to failed negotiations with major industry players.
"We stand united with SAG-AFTRA in a global effort to secure fair compensation and safeguard our members' rights, an endeavor made all the more pressing by the advent of artificial intelligence," Barclay had stated.
Recently, SAG-AFTRA mentioned it still faces significant differences with leading game companies. The bargaining group, which includes representatives from entities like EA, Activision, Take-Two, and WB Games, allegedly suggested negotiations were near conclusion, which the union refuted.
Additionally, SAG-AFTRA has introduced new contracts allowing members to collaborate with students and participate in game jams amid the ongoing strike.
