A proposed strike by video game voice actors is now closer to happening after 96.52 per cent of SAG-AFTRA union members voted in favour of the action. Only 75 per cent is needed to greenlight a strike.
The Negotiating Committee are now in a position to go back to the publishers for a new contract which meets the union’s terms, or can initiate a strike.
“It is important to note that the referendum result does not mean that members are on strike, rather, it gives the National Board the authority to declare a strike,” SAG-AFTRA explained.
SAG-AFTRA noted that the Interactive Media Agreement expired on December 31, 2014, with bargaining sessions held in February and June of this year failing to produce an agreement.
The union is seeking, amongst other things, actors to be entitled to residuals for games selling more than two million copies, stunt coordinators to take over on dangerous motion-capture sessions, and additional stunt pay for what is described as “vocally stressful” recording sessions.
Those in favour of the strike include David Hayter (Metal Gear Solid), Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect), Wil Wheaton (Broken Age), Ashly Burch (Life is Strange) and Elias Toufexis (Deus Ex: Human Revolution).
Source: SAG-AFTRA
