Unionization

Unionizing the Game Industry

In an effort to combat the issues of unpaid overtime, unfair wages, job insecurity, discrimination, and sexual harassment, a grassroots advocacy group started called Game Workers Unite. GWU’s goal is to encourage game industry workers around the world to unionize.

Unionization allows Game Industry workers to take collective action in negotiating work hours, pay scales, and benefits with their employers. Union representatives can also help workers to take legal action for underpayment, harassment, and wrongful termination.

Europe

In France, the STJV was formed as an independent union for workers in the video games industry. In the UK, Game Workers Unite UK was formed as a branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB). Their purpose is to fight for better working conditions and benefits, provide legal assistance, organize strike against employers, improve diversity and inclusion, and maintain job security.

The benefits of a union greatly outway the costs, with the aim of bringing about a healthier environment for game developers.

USA

WIP

Sources:

Game Workers Unite
Game Workers Unite UK
Le Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo