SAG-AFTRA Gets Backing from AEA

The Actors’ Equity Association has united with SAG-AFTRA and called on its membership not to accept  voiceover or performance capture work on struck titles from the 11 video game corporations during the ongoing strike.

AEA Executive Director Mary McColl called on the video game corporations to return to the bargaining table and said her union “stands in solidarity with and support of its sister union SAG-AFTRA as it fights for a fair contract for voice-over and motion-capture performers.”

McColl asked her membership not to cross the picket lines to work with the struck employers on the struck titles. “Equity members are reminded that they cannot accept work from these employers, and they should contact Equity immediately if they are offered any such employment,” she said.

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said the union welcomed the support from its fellow performers.

“The video game corporations we’re striking have tried to sow divisions among our membership instead of returning to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract,” Carteris said. “Not only are SAG-AFTRA members united in this strike action, but they have the support of their union brothers and sisters from AEA. I want to thank Mary McColl and the AEA leadership for their strong support.”

Meanwhile, SAG-AFTRA has continued picketing the 11 video game employers, with the latest action coming against Insomniac Games, Inc. in Burbank where close to 450 members marched on Nov. 17.