SAG-AFTRA

08/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2024 15:08

A Message From N.Y. President Ezra Knight

https://www.sagaftra.org/message-ny-president-ezra-knight-5

August 13, 2024

Dear Member,

We're into the hot days of summer and, once again, we find ourselves on strike. Our members who work the Interactive Media (video games) Agreement deserve to work under a fair contract. Although agreements have been reached on several issues pertaining to this contract, the employers refuse to plainly affirm, in clear and enforceable terms, that they will protect all performers covered by this contract in their A.I. language. A huge thank you to all of our New York Local members who have reached out about how you can support this strike effort. Members can amplify our message by signing our petition and boosting the information the negotiating committee puts out. More information about the strike and how to support the strike efforts is available on our website at sagaftra.org/videogamestrike.

SAG-AFTRA is also hard at work protecting members' voices and likenesses at all levels of government. Just last month, the NO FAKES Act was officially introduced in the Senate. If passed, the bill - sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn, Chris Coons, Amy Klobuchar and Thom Tillis - would establish a federal right in voice and likeness to protect against unauthorized use of digital replicas in audiovisual works and sound recordings. Stay tuned for more updates, and be alert for any calls to action around this important legislation.

As we look forward, please mark your calendars for upcoming events. The annual New York City Labor Day Parade will be here before you know it. Register to join us on Saturday, Sept. 7 - the Saturday after Labor Day - and show your union pride as we make our way up 5th Avenue in the largest showing of labor solidarity in the country. We also have another New York Local member orientation coming up on Sept. 16.

Enjoy the days of summer, stay cool, and I look forward to seeing you at a union event soon.

Forward together,

Ezra Knight
New York Local President

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