It’s now been eight months since SAG-AFTRA members voted in favour of a strike authorisation in the games industry… While SAG-AFTRA has not moved forward with its strike as of yet…
I wonder if there’s a limit to how long the authorization is valid for?
From sagaftra.org/videogames2023:
What is a Strike Authorization?
A strike authorization is a powerful tool that gives your Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee added leverage at the bargaining table by demonstrating to the video game companies that SAG-AFTRA members support their committee and are willing to fight for a fair deal. It does not automatically mean there will be a strike. If 75% or more of eligible members casting ballots vote YES, a strike authorization passes and gives your National Board the authority to call a strike after the contract expires. In the case of SAG-AFTRA’s Interactive Media Agreement, assuming a strike authorization is approved by members, that means the National Board can call a strike anytime after September 26, 2023.
So it never expires?
Ik really surprised they haven’t actually called a strike given how long it’s been.
It expires when they ink a new contract, as far as I can tell. I think they hold off on the strike for as long as negotiations are ongoing. I think jumping to a strike can poison the well in negotiations like this, so they try to get as far as they can amicably before going scorched earth.
