U.K. EQUITY STANDS IN SOLIDARITY AS SAG-AFTRA STRIKES HIT VIDEO GAME GIANTS
Equity, the U.K. performing arts and entertainment trade union, has issued a statement of solidarity in response to SAG-AFTRA's video game strike.
The U.S. actors' union called for industrial action after nearly two years of negotiations, primarily over AI protections for voice actors and motion capture performers.
The strike affects major video game companies signed to SAG-AFTRA's Interactive Media Agreement, including Activision, Electronic Arts and Disney Character Voices. However, due to U.K. labor laws, Equity members cannot join the strike directly.
John Barclay, Equity assistant general secretary, stated: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with SAG-AFTRA as partners in a global fight to secure fair pay and protect our members' rights." Barclay emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues in light of AI innovation and called for transparency from U.K.-based studios and producers regarding work for struck companies.
Barclay highlighted ongoing concerns in the U.K. video game industry, including the lack of safeguards to protect performers from unregulated AI use, health and safety issues and stagnant pay. He noted that despite the U.K. video game industry benefiting from significant tax relief – nearly £200 million ($257 million) in 2022 alone – performers' compensation has not kept pace with the industry's growth.
Equity has released a comprehensive set of FAQs to guide its members through this complex situation. The guidelines clarify that Equity members working in the U.K. should continue their work, even on projects for struck companies, due to differences in U.K. labor laws. The union explains that it cannot ballot for a strike due to restrictive U.K. industrial relations legislation and the lack of collectively bargained agreements with major U.K. video game vendors.
The FAQs address various scenarios, including advice for SAG-AFTRA members working in the U.K. and guidance on auditioning for games during the strike. Equity expresses concerns about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and emphasizes that performers should be informed if they're working for a struck company. The union advises members not to breach contracts but warns against unreasonable alterations that might undermine the SAG-AFTRA dispute.
Equity encourages its members to show support for SAG-AFTRA on social media and through other organizing methods. The union also warns against potential discrimination, stating that it's illegal for employers to treat someone less favorably based on union membership. Equity pledges to work closely with SAG-AFTRA to address any attempts to relocate productions to the U.K. to avoid the strike.