At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we wish to express our full support for the performers union SAG-AFTRA in its strike against some of the largest video game companies in the industry.
With its element of interactivity, video games can be among the most engaging storytelling mediums, and those who breathe life into the onscreen characters are an integral part of that magic. We believe they should be treated fairly.
New technology can improve the lives of working people, but it can also be used to ruthlessly exploit them to enrich the investor class. Our peers in SAG-AFTRA are simply asking for some basic protections against such abuse.
We live in a time of massive wealth disparity, and we, the workers in all industries, must stand together. We are the ones who build, create, educate and keep society functioning.
We see this strike as part of a common struggle. Each of us takes pride in the work we do, and when labor is devalued in one industry, it harms us all. We wish to add our voice to the growing chorus of support.
We understand that negotiations have dragged on for more than a year and a half due to these companies’ stubbornness in agreeing to A.I. protections. We call on the struck companies to return to the bargaining table and offer a fair contract to SAG-AFTRA performers so that this can be speedily resolved. 