At the insistence of SAG's newly appointed national executive director Greg Hessinger, the proposed video game contract was put to another vote, this time open to all paid-up members of the guild. Ballots were automatically sent to 1,932 members with earnings from video game work under the guild's previous three-year agreement with major producers, which expired in May. An additional 1,441 ballots were requested by members, SAG said. About 43% of the ballots mailed out were returned, it added.

SAG held a strike referendum on video game concerns in May but failed to get enough support from members for a strike over residuals.

Although it does not include residuals, the proposed Interactive Media Agreement boosts wages for voice-over and other performers by 36% over the terms of the 3-1/2-year contract, beginning with an immediate 25% hike. The actors also received increases in benefits and greater work protection.

As a result, actors will earn $759 for a daily, four-hour voice-over session by the end of the contract. Also, double-time will be paid after six hours; previously, it kicked in after 10 hours.

Other gains include a 7.5% increase in contributions to the unions' benefit plan to 14.3%. The unions also made 15%-25% gains in rates for remote delivery and integration.