United Videogame Workers-CWA: A New Era of Unionization in the Gaming Industry
The landscape of labor organization within the video game industry is undergoing significant changes with the emergence of the United Videogame Workers-CWA (UVW-CWA). This collective aims to establish a standardized framework for worker rights, addressing pressing issues such as hiring inequality, excessive crunch periods, and access to contractor healthcare.
Goals and Vision of UVW-CWA
Among the central objectives outlined by UVW-CWA is the development of a comprehensive video game worker bill of rights. This initiative is intended to provide a shared vision for workers in the gaming industry, promoting solidarity amidst ongoing challenges. As stated by the organization, “Our struggle does not happen in isolation, and we’ll need all the help we can get in the face of the most anti-worker administrations of our lifetimes.”
Inclusivity and Membership
Distinct from previous union efforts that often focused on specific departments such as quality assurance, UVW-CWA welcomes all game industry workers across the United States and Canada, regardless of their employment status or workplace. This inclusive approach aims to facilitate a more robust collective voice throughout the industry.
The Context of Recent Unionization Efforts
Union organizers highlight that UVW-CWA was established not in a vacuum but in response to a broader wave of globalization and labor organization that has been intensifying since the 2020 unionization movements within the game industry. Kinema, an advocate for the union, noted, “The current administration’s dismantling of labor law urges organizers and unions to think about building worker power in different ways.”
Recent Developments in Union Representation
Unionization efforts within the gaming sector are gaining momentum. For instance, on March 21, a supermajority of user research workers at Activision successfully voted in favor of union representation and received recognition from Microsoft, its parent company. Additionally, members of ZeniMax Workers United, a union formed in January 2023 with a focus on more than 300 quality assurance workers, voted to authorize a strike on April 1.
In response to these developments, Microsoft spokesman Will Beckett remarked, “Our quality assurance team is an integral part of our business and is key to our ability to deliver games our players will love.” The company has also proposed a package that includes immediate compensation increases and has reached tentative agreements on several key topics with union leaders.
Strength in Numbers
With over 400 members, UVW-CWA represents a larger collective than many previous union initiatives that were confined to smaller teams or departments. According to labor expert Sachs, the success of a union in the direct-join context hinges on the question: “Are there enough workers in the union? Are they committed enough to each other and to the struggle to improve wages and hours and working conditions that they can compel the employer to bargain?” He emphasizes the importance of collective power over mere legal status.
Conclusion
The establishment of the United Videogame Workers-CWA signifies a pivotal moment for labor organization in the gaming industry. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on essential worker rights, the union’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader shift toward collective empowerment in a rapidly evolving labor landscape.
