Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1157135
SAG-AFTRA is also redoubling its outreach by nurturing relationships in the industry and attending more conferences and expos to meet developers, introduce them to the Low Budget Agreement and answer their questions. Actor Cissy Jones, who has worked on Destiny 2, encourages smaller developers to consider union talent on their next project. "So often, independent developers feel like they don't have the money or the clout to approach a union actor. And we're here to dispel that myth," she said. "We're here. We want to work with you. We love bringing your stories to life. Let's find a way to work together." For information, contact interactive@sagaftra.org or (323) 549-6815. I t all started in 2004, when the spouse of an employee of a major publisher wrote a blog post highlighting the working conditions for developers there. It started an important ongoing conversation about how workers in the video game industry are treated, and as time has passed, the discussion has moved to the next logical step: unionization of game developers. As with actors and others in creative industries, employers are often quick to exploit developers' passion for their craft by overworking and underpaying them. And workers have discovered time and again that hoping for kindness from your employer is a poor substitute for the power of collective bargaining. Some workers have become increasingly vocal and formed groups such as Game Workers Unite to unionize the industry — and they have been finding allies in established unions. SAG-AFTRA is one of the group's staunchest supporters, and staff has served as a resource, helping group members learn organizing tactics. Even though game developers are outside of SAG-AFTRA's scope, the union has shown solidarity and helped to raise awareness on the issue. In addition, Game Workers Unite has used SAG-AFTRA's successful resolution to the video game strike to rally potential members by demonstrating the effectiveness of collective bargaining. Labor leaders are pitching in as well. In February, AFL-CIO Secretary- Treasurer Liz Shuler wrote an open letter to game developers, encouraging them to organize. "This is a moment for change. It won't come from CEOs. It won't come from corporate boards. And it won't come from any one person," she wrote. "Change will happen when you gain leverage by joining together in a strong union. And it will happen when you use your collective voice to bargain for a fair share of the wealth you create every day." Game Workers Unite tweeted about SAG-AFTRA's successful resolution of the video game strike. 42 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2019 | sagaftra.org