unionization Archives

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Activision user research workers form union

Activision's user research division staff voted to form a union, named the Activision User Research Union-CWA, with a supermajority in favor of unionization. Microsoft has recognized the union as part of its labor neutrality agreement with the Communication Workers of America (CWA). The motivation for unionization was influenced by anticipated layoffs in 2023 and 2024. CWA Local 9400 president Maurice Washington emphasized the need for a protected voice for workers and expressed pride in welcoming the new members into the CWA. This development follows the establishment of the United Videogame Workers-CWA, reflecting a trend of unionization in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

ZeniMax Online Studios staff have formed a union

Employees at ZeniMax Online Studios have formed a union with the support of the Communication Workers of America, uniting 461 employees from various states including California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The union includes web developers, designers, engineers, and graphic artists. Union members aim to improve working conditions, provide protections against layoffs and exploitation, and enhance support mechanisms beyond existing policies like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

AppWizard

November 25, 2024

2K mocap studio votes for unionisation

Staff at 2K Games' motion-capture studio in California voted to unionize, with 15 employees in favor and six opposed, during an election monitored by the National Labor Relations Board on November 22nd. The unionization effort was supported by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Matthew Peterson, a mocap animator, expressed hope that this milestone would inspire other workers in the industry to organize. IATSE International President Matthew Loeb emphasized the broader implications of this victory for labor relations in the video game industry. The unionization campaign began in October.

AppWizard

October 24, 2024

2K’s California mocap studio files to unionise

Staff at 2K Games' motion capture studio in California have initiated steps to unionize, with 21 employees formally requesting voluntary recognition as a bargaining unit from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). However, parent company Take-Two has declined to recognize the union, leading the employees to file with the federal government for acknowledgment. IATSE's international VP, Michael Miller, emphasized the essential role these workers play in creating video games and expressed support for their unionization efforts. The employees and IATSE are preparing for an upcoming election and hope to engage in negotiations with Take-Two Interactive.

AppWizard

June 28, 2024

Bethesda Montreal files for unionisation

Bethesda Game Studios Montreal has applied to form a union with the Quebec Labour Board. The new bargaining unit, known as One BGS MTL, aims to create a supportive workplace that nurtures creativity and talent in order to develop top-tier video games. If successful, this would make Bethesda Game Studios Montreal the second ZeniMax studio to unionize.