Who's On Strike Now? - August 2024 Edition
By Natalie Lifson, Agent Trainee at Buchwald and your co-Editor-in-Chief at THA
Image from SAG-AFTRA
Last month, we reported on the SAG-AFTRA x Video Game Companies strike, which still continues, as well as 2 contentious union negotiations that ultimately led to July agreements: Teamsters & Hollywood Basic Crafts x AMPTP, and IATSE x AMPTP.
This August, in addition to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA x Video Game Companies strike, there is a new union currently negotiating with the AMPTP: The Animation Guild.
If you need some more info on the unions, and which is which, see our new Hollywood Glossary.
Read on for more details about both union negotiations, as well as some updates about assistant unions.
SAG-AFTRA x Video Game Companies - currently on strike
Last month, we reported on SAG-AFTRA’s strike against 10 major video companies after failed attempts to renegotiate their Interactive Media Agreement.
According to SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, as of August 15th there have been no formal negotiations since then. However, SAG-AFTRA has agreed to issue interim agreements to 80 individual games who have agreed to meet their demands.
Another big win since then took place on August 27th: the California Senate approved a bill to limit the use of “digital replicas” of performers without their consent. The bill still has to be passed by the governor.
The SAG-AFTRA priorities that video game companies are not willing to compromise on are:
Compensation undercut by inflation
Unregulated use of AI and safety
Crabtree-Ireland released a statement saying, “The video game industry generates billions of dollars in profit annually. The driving force behind that success is the creative people who design and create those games. That includes the SAG-AFTRA members who bring memorable and beloved game characters to life, and they deserve and demand the same fundamental protections as performers in film, television, streaming, and music: fair compensation and the right of informed consent for the A.I. use of their faces, voices, and bodies.”
The last time SAG-AFTRA went on strike against video companies in 2016-17, it lasted 183 days.
Timeline:
November 2022: The Interactive Media Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and video game companies expired. Since then, it has been extended multiple times to allow for continued negotiations. -Deadline
September 25, 2023: SAG-AFTRA Members Vote Overwhelmingly To Authorize Strike Against Video Game Industry -Deadline
July 25: SAG-AFTRA Calls Strike Against Major Video Game Companies After Nearly 2 Years Of Contract Talks -Deadline
July 26:
August 1: SAG-AFTRA Hits Picket Line At Warner Bros. Demanding “Baseline Of Respect” From Major Video Game Companies -Deadline
August 27: SAG-AFTRA Wins Passage of California Bill to Limit AI Replicas -THR
September 4: SAG-AFTRA Says 80 Video Games Signed to Deals During Strike Against Major Studios -THR
Animation Guild x AMPTP - in negotiations
On August 12th, the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 80), which represents more than 5,000 animation workers, began negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Their biggest concerns are:
AI, and how it may undermine creativity and cause layoffs
Outsourcing animation work internationally in order to pay lower rates, in turn offering lower rates to L.A. workers
January 2024: The Animation Guild “partnered with CAA and CVI Economics earlier this year to conduct a gen AI impact study, which found that the tech could potentially disrupt 29% of animation jobs.” -Animation Magazine
July 30: With less than two weeks to go until negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) begin on August 12, The Animation Guild (TAG) has issued a statement highlighting key issues impacting its members. The labor org points out that despite the contributions of animation workers to keeping the entertainment industry afloat during COVID-19 shut-downs, they continue to face threats to sustainable employment. -Animation Magazine
August 10: Animation Guild Fires Up Members at Pre-Negotiations Rally: “We’re Going to Win Our Industry Back” -THR
“The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) organized the event before it heads into bargaining over a new three-year contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that will tackle hot-button issues like AI and outsourcing.”
August 12: Negotiations begin
August 15: As AI Encroaches on Hollywood, Animators Say This Is An Existential Moment -THR
“As the 5,000-strong Animation Guild starts negotiations with studios, outsourcing jobs and AI are the major points of contention.”
August 16: The Animation Guild and Studios Do Not Reach an Agreement, Add Negotiating Dates in September -THR
“The union, which has prioritized tackling AI and outsourcing in talks with Hollywood companies, previously set a Friday deadline to conclude talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.”
Assistant Unions
Casting Assistants Vote Unanimously In Favor Of Teamsters Representation -Deadline, 8/12
Production Assistants Launch Ambitious Bid for Unionization With LiUNA -THR, 9/2
Other Union Updates
Crooked Media Union Members Stage Walkout Over Contract Negotiations -THR, 8/5
The progressive media company, which is home to the podcast 'Pod Save America,' has been in negotiations with the union for more than a year.
After Walkout, Crooked Media Union Reaches Tentative Deal With ‘Pod Save America’ Company -THR, 8/9
Apple TV Visual Effects Workers Unanimously Vote to Join IATSE -THR, 8/26
Teamsters Casting Negotiations Pause Without Deal. New bargaining dates for casting directors, associate casting directors and casting assistants will be scheduled before their pact expires on Sept. 30. -THR, 8/30
American Federation Of Musicians Drums Up Support For The “Hard Fight Ahead” At NYC Rally As Live-TV Contract Talks Begin -Deadline, 9/4
Motion Picture Editors Guild Warns Free Health Insurance Extensions to End as Contributions to Industry Plans Drop -Variety, 9/6
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