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U.S screen actors guild SAG-AFTRA are claiming that their strike against video game companies, which has now been running for over 100 days,has hit a "crucial phase".
SAG-AFTRA members chose to go on strike in an effort to secure fairer compensation and better working conditions for those working in the video game industry, with the strike affecting work at big name studios like EA, Insomniac and WB Games.
Deadline report that SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris has implored its members to attend a rally next week outside of SAG-AFTRA’s Los Angeles headquarters, and that she’s telling guild member it’s essential for members to continue to apply pressure and be vocal in support of the strike.
"I am reaching out with an urgent request. SAG-AFTRA needs your help in moving employers to agree to a 21st century contract," Carteris wrote in an email to members of SAG-AFTRA. "We are holding what’s expected to be our largest rally to date, and while we all have busy schedules and time is valuable, this is a vital action for our union. We need your voice. Join us on February 2 to send management the message that resolving the strike will benefit everyone."
Sam Singer, a spokesperson representing the studios, suggested that the strike is fruitless unless SAG-AFTRA are willing to compromise.
"The companies are the greatest advocates for the skill and talent of the performers represented by SAG-AFTRA and their contributions to the video games that the public loves," offered Singer.
"The union leadership’s planned protest on February 2 may make good theater, but it doesn’t get them any closer to a contract, which is something we imagine their members would like to achieve. It’s one thing to protest; it’s wholly another to negotiate."
The strike has been heated since it occurred, with the games companies building a website to try and counteract the strike, claiming that they’ve been willing to negotiate the whole time and that the strike is unwarranted. SAG-AFTRA for their part have picketed several developers.
