Union work action temporarily halted: SAG-AFTRA members ordered back to their jobs
Latest Update (12/06/25): SAG-AFTRA has called off the strike against major gaming studios under the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) as they've reached a tentative agreement. The union members have been asked to resume work on the productions.
The performer union, who had been pushing for better AI protections and improved working conditions, announced a suspension of strike action after managing to secure "AI guardrails." Now, they've followed through on their word.
"All SAG-AFTRA members are to return to work on projects produced under the IMA," stated a brief communique from the union.
The SAG-AFTRA National Board will convene for a special session on the 12th to review the agreement. If approved, it'll be sent for voting by the union members per established protocol. Details of the agreement will be disclosed at that time.
Originally, SAG-AFTRA was on a strike since July 26, 2024, in pursuit of better working conditions and AI protections for their members. negotiations with studios like Activision Productions, Disney Character Voices, Electronic Arts Productions, Epic Games, and WB Games, amongst others.
The negotiations were lengthy, with SAG-AFTRA criticizing the studios for including "troublesome loopholes" in their AI proposals back in March.
"The last proposal the bargaining group put forth is still full of concerning loopholes that will leave our members open to AI misuse," SAG-AFTRA stated in March. "We recently tabled a counterproposal that addresses all these loopholes and would result in a contract that offers the minimum protections our members need to maintain careers as video game performers."
The tentative agreement
Progress has been made since then, though, with SAG-AFTRA disclosing that the tentative agreement instates "AI guardrails" that shield performers' livelihoods from misuse in the age of AI.
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SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher applauded the resilience of the striking performers.
"Our video game performers displayed immense fortitude against some of the most significant players in one of the world’s most prosperous industries. Their unwavering courage, coupled with the tireless efforts of our negotiating team, has finally achieved a deal," she added.
"The bar has been raised, and we're infinitely better than we were before. As soon as this agreement is ratified, we'll roll up our sleeves and start planning the next round of negotiations. Every contract is a work in progress, and progress is the name of the game."
SAG-AFTRA members will continue to strike until they reach a settlement with the employers, with terms expected to be finalized shortly.
This agreement brings significant progress in addressing video game performers' concerns, particularly with regard to AI and working conditions.
"With the suspension of the strike, SAG-AFTRA members can now return to their projects, interacting not only with human counterparts but also potentially engaging with AI characters."
"The new agreement, once approved, is expected to establish 'AI guardrails' that will not only secure the performers' livelihoods but also pave the way for future entertainment innovations, such as advanced AI-driven projects."
