Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
Latest coverage
Apple (AAPL) is closing its first unionized store
Apple is closing its first unionized retail store located in Towson, Maryland. The store's employees successfully unionized in 2022.
Apple is closing three US stores, including the first to unionize
Apple is closing three US retail stores this summer, including its first location to unionize in Towson, Maryland. The company cited declining conditions at the shopping centers as the reason for the closures. The union representing the Towson workers expressed concerns that the closure is an attempt to bust the union and is exploring legal options.
Trump labor board tells Amazon to negotiate with Staten Island warehouse union
The Trump administration's labor board has ordered Amazon to recognize and bargain with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union for its Staten Island warehouse workers. This ruling is the latest development in a multiyear dispute over pay, benefits, and safety, though Amazon plans to appeal, citing improper influence on the election. This marks a significant victory for the union, which has been fighting for recognition since workers voted to unionize in 2022.
French Game Industry Union Calls Out Nacon Leadership For Poor Leadership Leading to Bankruptcy
The French video game union Syndicat des Travailleureuses du Jeu Video has criticized Nacon's leadership for mismanagement, leading to the bankruptcy of the company and several of its studios, including Spiders, Cyanide, and Kylotonn. The union calls for the removal of Nacon's executive team and demands better working conditions and policies to prevent talent drain.
Business and Finance
Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose topped the US sales charts for February, with launch sales reportedly 60% higher than its predecessor, Resident Evil Village. The article also touches on messages from union workers to game industry executives regarding labor relations.
Union workers send a message to game industry execs: 'Let go of the power now, or be forced to let go of it later.'
Unionized video game workers attending the GDC Festival of Gaming sent a strong message to industry executives regarding power dynamics and recent mass layoffs. Speakers urged leaders to address worker concerns and consider the human impact of business decisions, warning that resistance to change will ultimately be futile.
SAG-AFTRA issues "do not work" orders against Mega Man: Dual Override
SAG-AFTRA has issued a "do not work" order against Capcom's upcoming game, Mega Man: Dual Override, after voice actor Ben Diskin stated he would not return to the role without union contract protections. Diskin cited concerns over AI usage and Capcom's refusal to unionize the project, despite SAG-AFTRA's recent tentative agreement following an 11-month strike. This action advises union members against providing any services for the production, which is slated for a 2027 release.
Business and Finance
SAG-AFTRA has issued a 'Do Not Work' order against Capcom for failing to begin the signatory process. Separately, Newzoo predicts that PC gaming revenue will surpass console revenue by 2028.
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man sequel
Capcom is reportedly facing accusations of abandoning union contracts related to a Mega Man sequel. Co-developer Aggro Crab shared insights into game development, with studio head Nick Kaman discussing mountain design techniques.
Peak co-developer Aggro Crab shares lessons in friendslop
Capcom is accused of not providing union contracts for a Mega Man sequel, leading the performer union SAG-AFTRA to advise its members against working on the title. Co-developer Aggro Crab also shared insights into their development practices.
Teamsters urge DOJ to block Paramount's Warner Bros. merger
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is urging the US Department of Justice to block the proposed merger between Paramount Global, Skydance Media, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The union cites concerns that the consolidation will lead to job losses and harm domestic production and labor standards. They are requesting enforceable commitments from Paramount and Skydance to protect workers and production before the deal can proceed.
Mega Man: Dual Override Is Hit By Actors' Union "Do Not Work" Order
SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work" order against Capcom's upcoming game, Mega Man: Dual Override, due to the company failing to engage with the union for voice actor protections. Voice actor Ben Diskin revealed Capcom asked him to work without union protections, citing concerns about AI usage. This action follows a previous strike by video game actors over similar issues.
SAG-AFTRA issues a Do Not Work Order against Capcom for "failing to initiate the signatory process"
SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" against Capcom's upcoming game Mega Man: Dual Override, citing the company's failure to initiate the signatory process. This prevents voice actor Ben Diskin from reprising his role as Mega Man due to concerns over union contract protections and the potential use of AI. The union has been in negotiations with game publishers regarding AI and labor rights.
Issues and Activism
An actor from the Mega Man franchise has withdrawn from a sequel project due to issues with a non-union contract. This situation highlights ongoing discussions about labor practices and activism within the entertainment industry.
Capcom accused of ditching union contracts on Mega Man: Dual Override
SAG-AFTRA has issued a 'Do Not Work Order' for Mega Man: Dual Override, accusing Capcom of refusing to offer union contracts. Voice actor Ben Diskin stated he would not return for the project due to Capcom's stance. The union emphasizes the importance of Global Rule One to protect member earnings and gains. Mega Man: Dual Override is scheduled for a 2027 release on PC and consoles.
Historic, First-Ever Union Formed By Workers At 2K Games
Motion-capture performers at 2K Games' Petaluma studio have formed the first union for such workers in the US, named RPG-IATSE. They have unanimously ratified their first contract with parent company Take-Two Interactive, securing benefits like wage minimums, bonuses, and protections against AI likeness reproduction. This follows similar labor actions in the games industry, including a SAG-AFTRA strike.
Business and Finance
Indie studio Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union, while Outersloth has revealed its game funding agreement with developers. These developments highlight ongoing discussions around labor relations and financial structures within the game development industry.
Mega Man: Dual Override Hit With “Do Not Work Order” by SAG-AFTRA
SAG-AFTRA has issued a "Do Not Work Order" for Capcom's upcoming game Mega Man: Dual Override, preventing union members from participating. Voice actor Ben Diskin, who voiced Mega Man in Mega Man 11, announced he will not return for the new title due to the lack of union protections and concerns over AI usage. The game is slated for a 2027 release on multiple platforms.
Hyper Light Drifter studio Heart Machine voluntarily recognises union
Indie developer Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union formed by 13 of its staff members, following several rounds of layoffs. Separately, Sumo Digital is partnering with Arm to evaluate new AI-powered neural technology for mobile game development, aiming to bring PC-quality graphics to mobile platforms.
Hyper Light Drifter studio workers form union after rounds of layoffs
Workers at independent game studio Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, have formed a union with Communications Workers of America Local 9003. This move follows multiple rounds of layoffs at the studio, including the discontinuation of Hyper Light Breaker. The union aims to protect workers in the face of industry instability and increasing demands for employee voices to be heard.