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Actors union votes for videogame contract

Voice-over stars to get pay rise and new "atmospheric performer" category

Hollywood union AFTRA (The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) has voted in favour of an extension of its videogame contract, which has now been forwarded to members to be ratified.

According to The Hollywood Reporter the proposal gives members a 2.5 per cent pay rise and a 0.2 per cent rise in pension and health contributions. A new performance category will also be created, entitled "atmospheric performer".

If approved by members the new agreement will take effect from January 1, 2010 and will extend the current deal between the guild and producers until March 31, 2011.

"AFTRA members pioneered union work under the Interactive Media Agreement in the early 1990s, and today this contract generates millions of dollars in earnings and benefits for thousands of AFTRA members in both large and small markets around the nation," said AFTRA president Roberta Reardon.

Unions have had a fraught relationship with the videogames industry over the years, most notably in 2005 when AFTRA sister union the Screen Actor's Guild won pay increases for voice actors of over 25 per cent.