The Communication Workers of America is continuing its push into the games business, announcing today that a union is being organized at Wizards of the Coast. The new union is being formed by a supermajority of developers responsible for the online game Magic: The Gathering Arena, according to the announcement. This is the first unionization effort at Hasbro subsidiary WotC, which makes Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.
The workers sent a letter to management today announcing their intent, and asking for voluntary recognition by the end of the week. If not, the workers have also filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board.
Issues cited by the workers include, “…protections over layoffs and remote work, guardrails over generative AI usage and mandatory crunch time, and increased transparency and equity in the workplace.”
Unions affiliated with the CWA have previously been organized at Paizo (see “Paizo Voluntarily Recognizes Union“) and TCGPlayer (see “Union Wins Election at TCGPlayer“), among others. On the comic side of the street, a CWA local was formed at manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment (see “Seven Seas Staff Organizes“).
CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister noted the larger trend. “Today’s union announcement is a milestone not just for these workers but for the games industry as a whole,” she said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Whether someone is designing digital worlds or crafting tabletop experiences, every worker deserves job security, fair compensation, and a seat at the table. Together, we will ensure that the people who bring these games to life are treated with the dignity and respect that they’ve always deserved. CWA District 7 is honored to stand with these members as they take this historic step toward union representation.”
Read more at this site