Tag Archives: unions

SAG-AFTRA Introduces a New Independent Agreement for Video Game Localization

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

SAG-AFTRA has announced its introduction of the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement. This agreement, which contains the same streamlined, easy to understand baseline terms as the union’s Tiered Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, covers localization of video game projects produced in a language other than English. In addition to A.I. protections, the new agreement includes expanded session and voiceprint options for both principal and atmospheric roles as compared to the original Localization Agreement. All contract language was based on direct feedback from the community that does this work.

With over 130 video game projects currently signed to the union’s interim and independent agreements, SAG-AFTRA hopes this new Independent Interactive Localization Agreement will benefit companies who are willing to agree to the union’s terms by allowing them to hire SAG-AFTRA talent. The agreement will also provide employment opportunities to performers who work in video game localization — a process in which an actor replaces the dialogue from a foreign language to English.

The full text of the agreement, a rate sheet, and a Producers Guide are available for review in SAG-AFTRA’s digital Production Center.

The SAG-AFTRA strike against all signatories to the Interactive Media Agreement remains in effect, with the exception of games signed to the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement, the Interim Interactive Media Agreement and now the Independent Interactive Localization Agreement. 

SAG-AFTRA and Ethovox sign an agreement that empowers actors and secures A.I. guardrails

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SAG-AFTRA and Ethovox

SAG-AFTRA and Ethovox have announced a new agreement that ensures performers are protected and empowered in the A.I. age. 

Co-founded by BAFTA Games Award-winner Cissy Jones, Ethovox is building a fully-authenticated foundational A.I. model for voice. In addition to ensuring performers can participate in Ethovox’s consensual foundational model knowing that they will be protected and compensated fairly, the voice model will reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Further, the SAG-AFTRA-Ethovox contract leads the field in performer compensation as it provides both session fees and ongoing revenue sharing for the life of the foundational model.

A foundational voice model provides the basis for digital replicas. It requires volumes of underlying voice data to enable the replicas to function properly. The Ethovox model will not be user-facing, and the voices included in the model will not be identifiable in any of the speech generated. 

The Ethovox Agreement was approved by the union’s Corporate/Educational & Non-Broadcast Committee and was additionally presented to and approved by SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Committee.

Those who would like to learn more can visit www.sagaftra.org/ethovox.

The SAG-AFTRA Strike Continues with Negotiations Extended

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

After three days of scheduled negotiations, SAG-AFTRA has announced that Interactive Media Agreement negotiations with employers would continue, with new dates to be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

Negotiations resumed with the employer unit which includes Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc. on October 23.

The SAG-AFTRA strike against all signatories to the Interactive Media Agreement began in July and remains in effect, with the exception of games signed to the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement or an Interim Interactive Media Agreement.

SAG-AFTRA went on strike against some of the largest game companies in July, after more than 18 months of negotiation during which employers refused to agree to A.I. terms that would protect all SAG-AFTRA members who work on video games. Meanwhile, more than 100 video games have been signed to the union’s Interim Agreement and Tiered Budget Independent Agreement, which contain the protections SAG-AFTRA was seeking, showing that the union’s terms are reasonable and feasible for business.

International Federation of Actors Declares Support for SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

The International Federation of Actors has issued a resolution declaring its support for SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike. The Executive Committee of the union federation, which goes by FIA, its French acronym, and represents performers unions from some 60 countries, voted unanimously in favor of the decisive statement during its meeting in New Zealand.  

The resolution, which was proposed jointly by Actors’ Equity Association, Canada’s ACTRA, and Equity UK, along with performers unions from Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa and Uruguay, reads, in part, “FIA and its affiliates express unwavering support for SAG-AFTRA and its members in their stand against corporate exploitation, the unchecked use of A.I., and their broader fight for fair wages, reasonable working conditions, as well as the protection of performers’ rights and creative contributions to the video game industry.

“FIA and its member unions worldwide will continue to show solidarity with SAG-AFTRA, offering all legally permissible support for as long as necessary to ensure that the integrity and rights of performers are upheld, and to deter any attempts by video game companies to circumvent the terms of the strike by seeking to engage talent outside union agreements.” 

FIA held its Executive Committee meeting in Auckland from Oct. 1–4. At the meeting, members discussed a variety of issues impacting entertainment professionals around the globe, including artificial intelligence, which is the central issue in the video game strike and one of the main factors leading to last year’s TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike. FIA’s president, Gabrielle Carteris, is the former president of SAG-AFTRA, and the first American to hold the seat.

SAG-AFTRA went on strike against some of the largest game companies in July, after more than 18 months of negotiation during which employers refused to agree to A.I. terms that would protect all SAG-AFTRA members who work on video games. Meanwhile, more than 100 video games have been signed to the union’s Interim Agreement and Tiered Budget Independent Agreement, which contain the protections SAG-AFTRA was seeking, showing that the union’s terms are reasonable and feasible for business.

SAG-AFTRA and the convenience bargaining group with whom the union negotiates its Interactive Media Agreement will resume negotiations on Wednesday, October 23. The convenience bargaining group includes Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Llama Productions LLC, Take 2 Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Performers will hold a picket outside Activision on October 16

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

SAG-AFTRA will be holding a picket at Activision on Wednesday, October 16. SAG-AFTRA members who perform in video games went on strike against all video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement, effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26.

SAG-AFTRA is striking this contract so that members working in interactive media (video games) can continue earning a living doing the job they love. Our members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to offer a fair deal that addresses this existential threat.

Where: Activision Productions Inc.; 2701 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404      
When: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. – 12 Noon PT

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Performers to Hold a Picket at Electronic Arts on Thursday, October 10

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

SAG-AFTRA will be holding a picket at Electronic Arts on Thursday, October 10. SAG-AFTRA members who perform in video games went on strike against all video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement, effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26.

SAG-AFTRA is striking this contract so that members working in interactive media (video games) can continue earning a living doing the job they love. Our members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to offer a fair deal that addresses this existential threat.

Thursday’s picket takes place from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon PT.

Dockworkers Suspend their Strike

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International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance

The port strike has been suspended according to the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. A tentative agreement was reached and the Master Contract has been extended until January 15, 2025 to get everyone back to the bargaining table to negotiate the remaining issues.

The dockworkers walked off the job on Tuesday impacting dozens of ports on the East and Gulf coasts. It was the first strike in nearly 50 years.

The union was seeking higher wages and a ban on the use of some automated equipment.

The strike had threatened to impact the holiday season as stock for it was beginning to reach the port as well as the economic recovery and disaster recovery.

East and Gulf Coast Ports Strike, Impacting Comics, Games, and more

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International Longshoremen's Association

It’s a strike for 50,000 ILA union longshoremen. They walked off the job at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports after an agreement on a new contract was failed to be reached. This is the first strike since 1977. Between 43% and 49% of all US imports come through those ports. The impact will be felt in numerous industries including entertainment such as comics and games, basically anything coming through these ports. Expect numerous Kickstarters to update as to the impact on their deliver, and expect delays. Many already have been laying the groundwork they’ll be impacted.

The International Longshoremen’s Association said it wants a $5 an hour per year increase over six years, all royalties for containers handled, and strict language against automation.

The strike impacts 14 major ports and began at midnight this Tuesday after a failure to reach an agreement. A last ditch effort to avert the strike failed and it’s expected that this will cause significant harm to the economy if it’s lengthy.

At the New York/New Jersey terminal alone it’s estimated 100,000 shipping containers are in limbo now at the port.

It’s an impact on the supply chain which has been shaky since COVID but also due to increased attacks on shipping routes which have forced longer transits to avoid it. Diverting to different ports to avoid the strike, like the West Coast, won’t help as it’s expected other unions will close ranks and support the ILA’s labor battle.

GAMA, the Game Manufacturers Association, has joined a coalition of 200 associations urging a “fair and equitable resolution to this issue.” It has been reported some of what’s now stopped up is stock for the holidays. We’ll have further updates on the impact of the strike.

SAG-AFTRA Strikes League of Legends and files an unfair labor practice charge

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SAG-AFTRA logo

 SAG-AFTRA called a strike today against popular online game League of Legends, after a company that produces the game tried to subvert the video game strike. The union believes those actions, by the company Formosa Interactive LLC, to be a flagrant violation of labor law and has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company with the National Labor Relations Board.

The complaint comes after Formosa tried to “cancel” one of its struck video games shortly after the start of SAG-AFTRA’s video game strike. When they were told that was not possible, they secretly transferred the game to a shell company and sent out casting notices for “NON-UNION” talent only. SAG-AFTRA charges that these serious actions are egregious violations of core tenets of labor law – that employers cannot interfere with performers’ rights to form or join a union and they cannot discriminate against union performers. The unilateral and surreptitious transfer of union work to a “non-union” shell company is an impermissible and appalling attempt to evade a strike action and destroy performers’ rights under labor law.

In light of Formosa’s unfair labor practices, SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director, with the advice and consent of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee, has called a strike of League of Legends, one of the company’s most high-profile games. SAG-AFTRA members must immediately cease providing covered services to League of Legends and the game will be updated on the union’s search function as a struck game. 

Formosa is one of the members of the bargaining group that has refused to agree to protect our members against the unethical use of A.I. Until today, League of Legends was one of several games that remained unstruck. Formosa is the union signatory and provided voiceover services to League of Legends.

SAG-AFTRA Video Game Performers to hold a Disney Picket Line Reunion this Thursday

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SAG-Aftra Interactive Media Agreement

Calling on all 2023 Disney picketers, strike captains, members, and supporters! Join the SAG-AFTRA video game performers in solidarity for their strike which was called against all video game companies signed effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 26.

SAG-AFTRA is striking this contract so that members working in interactive media (video games) can continue earning a living doing the job they love. Its members’ work and likenesses are being exploited by artificial intelligence, and video game companies have refused to offer a fair deal that addresses this existential threat.

SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating (IMA) Committee members Andi Norris, Zeke Alton, Nancy Linari, and many more; SAG-AFTRA leadership including National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; and SAG-AFTRA members, labor allies and video game fans will be in attendance.

Disney Character Voices- 2600 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91505
Parking : There are two parking lots on Frederick, and there is 2 hour street parking in the vicinity.    
Thursday, September 19,  9 a.m. – 12 Noon PT

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