Labor Relations
Ongoing coverage on Labor Relations.
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Star Wars Eclipse "literally cannot be finished" if layoffs go through, its devs reportedly say
Developers at Quantic Dream reportedly stated that the upcoming game Star Wars Eclipse cannot be finished if planned layoffs of 115 staff members go through. The union STJV is protesting these potential layoffs, claiming the studio is already understaffed and that these employees are necessary for the game's completion. The game, revealed in 2021, is set during the High Republic era.
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers have successfully unionized
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro have successfully unionized, forming the United Wizards of the Coast-CWA. The union's goals include obtaining assurances regarding generative AI, layoff protections, and compensation transparency. Employees voted in favor of unionization following a National Labour Relations Board election after their request for voluntary recognition was denied.
Magic: The Gathering Arena devs' union officially elected, following claims Wizards of the Coast were dragging their heels on voluntary recognition
The union representing Magic: The Gathering Arena developers, United Wizards of the Coast - CWA, has been officially elected following a petition filed with the US National Labor Relations Board. The union, which previously accused Wizards of the Coast of delaying voluntary recognition, hopes to ratify a contract soon. Members previously cited concerns about layoffs, remote work policies, generative AI, and mandatory crunch as reasons for unionizing.
"This crisis was avoidable, but our bosses chose to drive blindly towards disaster": French videogame union STJV call for national industry strike day
The French video game union STJV has called for a national strike on June 25th to protest ongoing layoffs and demand industry-wide changes. The union cited mismanagement by companies like Quantic Dream, Ubisoft, and Nacon, as well as government subsidies and the rise of generative AI, as contributing factors to the crisis.
Amazon ordered to bargain with Teamsters in case that could set back union progress
A judge ruled that Amazon violated federal law by refusing to recognize the Teamsters union. This decision could impact future unionization efforts within the company.
Morning Legal Briefs
Three Amazon workers claim they are under investigation for speaking out about the company's data centers. The article, published by WIRED, details their experiences and concerns regarding workplace communication and potential retaliation.
UK Tribunal allows fired Rockstar workers to bring blacklisting claims against the studio
A UK employment tribunal has allowed fired Rockstar workers, represented by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, to proceed with blacklisting claims against the studio. This ruling is a significant step in the legal dispute following the termination of over 30 employees last October, which the union has characterized as illegal union busting. The full trial is scheduled for September 2026, preceding the release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Rockstar Faces A Fresh Setback In Its Union-Busting Case
A UK employment tribunal has ruled that the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain can proceed with allegations of blacklisting against Rockstar Games. The case, which began last November, involves accusations that Rockstar discriminated against employees suspected of attempting to form a union, leading to the dismissal of 34 workers. The trial is scheduled for September 10, 2026.
Rockstar vs. the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain: a timeline of events so far
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar Games of union busting following the dismissal of 31 employees in October 2025, which the company attributed to gross misconduct for distributing confidential information. The dispute escalated with legal claims, protests, and parliamentary attention, with Rockstar maintaining the dismissals were unrelated to union activities. A preliminary employment tribunal hearing in January 2026 rejected the IWGB's request for interim relief, though the full hearing is pending.
Rockstar employees form union amid ongoing legal claims
Rockstar employees have formed the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain. The union's formation follows the dismissal of over 30 employees, which the RGWU alleges was an act of union busting, leading to ongoing legal battles and protests.
Rockstar Games Developers Announce Founding of Rockstar Game Workers Union
Rockstar Games developers have announced the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain. The union's creation follows allegations of union busting and recent firings, and precedes legal proceedings related to a lawsuit against the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer. Rockstar Games denies the union-busting allegations, stating dismissals were due to breaches of company policy regarding confidential information.
Rockstar developers to formally unionize ahead of legal battle with the company
Developers at Rockstar Games are formally unionizing, a move that comes ahead of a potential legal battle with the company. This development signifies a significant step in labor relations within the studio, which is known for the Grand Theft Auto franchise.
The Rockstar Game Workers Union breaks cover
Developers at Rockstar Games have announced the formation of the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), affiliated with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain. This follows accusations of union-busting after the dismissal of over 30 unionizing developers, which Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive deny, citing gross misconduct. The RGWU is preparing legal action and aims to secure pay transparency, flexible working, and an end to crunch.
Samsung unions voted in favor of deal that will give chip workers $400,000 in bonuses
Samsung chip workers have voted in favor of a deal that will provide them with bonuses of up to $400,000. This agreement comes after the possibility of an 18-day strike over compensation.
Report: Wizards of the Coast is trying to discourage workers from unionizing
Wizards of the Coast is reportedly issuing letters to employees to discourage them from unionizing, warning of potential negative outcomes. This comes as Magic: The Gathering Arena developers are set to vote on unionizing with the Communications Workers of America on June 2, 2026, after voluntarily recognizing the union failed. The union organizers state their goals include securing AI protections, bolstering job security, and addressing concerns about career progression and a return-to-office mandate.
3 years on from laying off over 1,000 people, Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast are sending daily emails and physical letters encouraging the survivors to not unionise
Wizards of the Coast is reportedly employing aggressive tactics, including daily emails and physical letters to employees' homes, to discourage workers from unionizing. Employees claim the company hired a union avoidance firm and is spreading misinformation to deter the formation of a union for the Magic: The Gathering Arena team. This follows significant layoffs in 2023, which some employees believe spurred the current unionization efforts.
Samsung has swerved a planned South Korean factory strike with a last-minute deal, so the memory machine rumbles on
Samsung Electronics has reached a last-minute agreement with its labor union, averting a planned 18-day strike. The union had previously demanded 15% of annual operating profits for employee bonuses and the removal of a salary cap on performance pay. The details of the new proposal are yet to be revealed, but the union has agreed to suspend the strike pending an internal vote.
Samsung's labor union suspends strike following tentative agreement
Samsung's labor union has suspended an 18-day strike after reaching a tentative agreement with the company. Following the suspension, Samsung's shares saw an increase of over 6 percent.
Samsung union suspends strike after reaching tentative deal on bonuses
Samsung's union has suspended its planned strike that would have affected the company's memory chip production. The decision follows a tentative agreement reached on bonus payments.
Over 47,000 Samsung workers set to go on strike this week
Contract negotiations between Samsung and a labor union representing over 47,000 employees have failed, leading to a potential strike this week. The breakdown in talks signals ongoing labor disputes within the company.