SAG-AFTRA extends interactive media agreement negotiations after three days of talks

• Negotiations resumed on October 23 with an employer unit that includes Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character voices and more

After three days of scheduled talks, SAG-AFTRA has extended negotiations for the Interactive Media Agreement, with new dates to be confirmed soon.

Negotiations resumed on October 23 with an employer unit that includes Activision Productions, Blindlight, Disney Character voices, Electronic Arts, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac Games, Llama Productions, Take 2 Productions, and WB Games.

The union’s most recent talks took place after over 120 games from 49 companies signed its interim agreements.

“We’re not going to consent to a contract that allows companies to abuse AI to the detriment of our members,” said SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher when the strike was first called. 

“Enough is enough. When these companies get serious about offering an agreement our members can live – and work – with, we will be here, ready to negotiate.” 

Battle continues 

The SAG-AFTRA strike against all signatories of the Interactive Media Agreement began in July and is still ongoing, except for games covered by the Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement or an Interim Interactive Media Agreement.

While negotiations are currently on hold, the union said that the interim contracts include common-sense AI protections similar to those sought by the union’s members in the Interactive Media Agreement. 

It also says that these provisions are fair and feasible while ensuring job opportunities for members during the ongoing work stoppage.

The biggest issue is the union’s demand for proper consent, compensation, and transparency regarding the use of AI for its members working under the contract.