FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Katie Barrows
Communications Director
P: 202-549-5991
Kbarrows@dpeaflcio.org

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2024 - On July 26, video game performers who are Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members went on strike against the video game companies signed to the Interactive Media Agreement. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) President Jennifer Dorning released the following statement in support of the striking video game performers:

“DPE stands in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA video game performers on strike for a fair contract that provides common sense AI protections for the professionals who contribute to the success of the multi-billion dollar video game industry. 

SAG-AFTRA members voice the characters that make video game stories captivating and inspire loyalty to a game, series, or company. Video game employers must do right by performers and come to a fair agreement that respects and values human creativity. 

SAG-AFTRA members know firsthand that, while AI is a tool that can contribute to workplace improvement, it also has the potential for abuse. Like professionals in every industry, SAG-AFTRA video game performers are right to demand reasonable, clear, and enforceable contract language that prevents exploitation through AI.

Our coalition of union professionals stands firmly behind SAG-AFTRA members holding the line for fair AI protections.”

About DPE

The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions representing over four million professional and technical union members. DPE affiliate unions represent professionals in over 300 occupations in education and healthcare; science, engineering, and technology; legal, business, and management; media, entertainment, and the arts; and public administration.