Hollywood actors union eyes video game strike
The union representing actors in the US is considering a second strike against major video game companies due to disputes over wages and threats posed by artificial intelligence.
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Posted 9/2/2023, 12:22:15 AM
bbc.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The article discusses the recent strike by Hollywood actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, over pay and concerns about the future of the industry.
- The strike is the first in 43 years and has brought the American movie and television business to a halt.
- The actors are joining screenwriters, who went on strike in May, in picket lines across the country.
- The main issues at stake are the calculation of residuals for streaming entertainment and concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry.
- The article argues that the rise of streaming and the collapse of traditional distribution models have made it difficult to divide revenue and have increased the costs for studios.
- The article suggests that both talent and studios need to adapt to the new paradigm and focus on producing unique content rather than running streaming services.
The main topic is the strike by Hollywood actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, over pay and concerns about the future of the industry. The key points are:
1. The strike is the first in 43 years and has brought the American movie and television business to a halt.
2. The strike is a result of failed negotiations with studios over a new contract, with streaming services and artificial intelligence at the center of the dispute.
3. Actors and screenwriters are striking together for the first time since 1960, with both unions seeking better pay and working conditions.
4. The rise of streaming and the lack of transparency in calculating residuals for streaming content are major concerns for the unions.
5. Studios are struggling with the true cost of streaming and the loss of revenue from traditional distribution models, while also trying to build and maintain their own streaming services.
The use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry is a major concern for Hollywood actors during ongoing strikes.
Members of the United Auto Workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis if a competitive contract is not offered by September 14, with key demands including wage increases, improved benefits, and the elimination of the two-tiered employment system.
Workers across industries are taking a hard stance against companies for better pay and working conditions, leading to a surge in strikes and support for organized labor, with more than 320,000 workers participating in at least 230 strikes so far in 2023, according to data from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Artificial intelligence is being used in various ways at Gamescom, but there are concerns that it could lead to job redundancy and intellectual property disputes in the video game industry.
The media artists union SAG-AFTRA has voted to expand its strike to include the video game industry, citing issues such as pay, working conditions, and protections against the unrestrained use of artificial intelligence.
The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has called for a second strike authorization for video game actors, demanding higher wages, AI protections, and other benefits.
The United Auto Workers union and three Detroit automakers are facing a looming strike as contract negotiations stall, potentially impacting the U.S. economy and the companies' profits amid the shift to electric vehicles and demands for improved wages and benefits.
US unions have experienced a surge in strikes over the past year, with major victories and defeats, as workers leverage low unemployment and a favorable public opinion toward unions to demand better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
The Screen Actors Guild has authorized its members in the interactive media industry to strike due to stalled negotiations and concerns about AI replacing their performances, potentially disrupting the production of big-name video games.
A potential worker strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union could pose a significant threat to the progress and profits of major automakers such as GM and Ford, potentially leading to production delays and increased costs for the companies.
Workers in the United States are increasingly engaging in strikes and labor unrest, with 16 major strikes occurring in the country so far this year, the highest number since 2005, posing potential challenges for American businesses both domestically and abroad, as demonstrated by the threat of a strike at Chevron's plants in Australia.
Approximately 146,000 U.S. auto workers are poised to go on strike if General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis fail to meet their demands for substantial pay raises and restored benefits, potentially causing significant disruptions in auto production and impacting the U.S. economy.
The United Auto Workers union could potentially strike at Detroit's Big Three automakers if a deal isn't reached by the contract deadline, although progress is being made in the talks regarding wages.
The United Auto Workers union plans to implement targeted strikes at certain plants if tentative contracts are not reached with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis, potentially affecting local contract issues and involving work stoppages only at specific plants.