Labor Rights
Ongoing coverage on Labor Rights.
Latest coverage
Unionized workers at Bethesda studios plan a nationwide protest against recent layoffs on July 15
Unionized workers at Bethesda Game Studios, known as OneBGS, are organizing a nationwide protest on July 15th against recent layoffs at studios like ZeniMax Online Studios. The union accuses Microsoft and Bethesda of attempting to circumvent their legal obligation to bargain over these decisions by reframing them as business scope changes. Separately, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has joined a Federal Reserve task force focused on the economic impact of new technologies like artificial intelligence.
Rockstar faces legal setback as UK tribunal allows its fired workers to bring every one of their union busting…
A UK employment tribunal has ruled against Rockstar Games, allowing fired union members to proceed with their claims of union busting and blacklisting. The final trial is set to begin in September 2025, concerning the dismissal of 31 workers in October 2025. This legal setback for Rockstar comes as the studio faces scrutiny from employees, unions, and even Parliament over its labor practices.
Mantan ART Siap Damai dengan Erin, tapi Ada Syaratnya
Hera, a former domestic worker, is willing to reconcile with Erin, the former wife of Andre Taulany, provided there is an apology and the return of her belongings. The case involves accusations of physical abuse and theft, with a parliamentary hearing urging for restorative justice and the halting of criminal proceedings against Hera, who is considered a victim.
MPs accuse GTA 6 developer Rockstar of obstructing legal processes, as battle over 'union-busting' dismissals continues
Several Scottish Labour Members of Parliament have accused Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games of obstructing legal processes and engaging in union-busting following the dismissal of staff. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain has filed a legal claim, alleging Rockstar has failed to cooperate with disclosure requests and denied workers their right to appeal. Rockstar Games is also preparing for the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
CWA Canada president says Saudi buyout of EA should trigger 'virtually every alarm bell'
CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth has urged the Canadian government to scrutinize the proposed $55 billion buyout of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund due to national security risks. Concerns include potential data misuse, surveillance, and the transfer of sensitive AI technology to a foreign state. The union also highlighted potential job losses for Canadian EA workers due to the deal's financing structure.
Efek Rumah Kaca Menggebrak dalam Aksi May Day di Depan DPR
The band Efek Rumah Kaca performed at a May Day rally in front of the Indonesian Parliament building, where labor unions and students gathered. Union leader Sunarno explained their separate protest from the presidential event, citing poor labor conditions and demanding new pro-labor legislation, fair wages, and ratification of ILO conventions. The protest caused traffic diversions around the DPR building.
Band Kotak Ramaikan Aksi Hari Buruh di Monas
Band Kotak performed at the International Workers' Day (May Day) celebration held at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta. The event saw a large turnout of workers from various age groups. President Prabowo Subianto was also scheduled to attend the event.
MindsEye studio faces new legal action over employee surveillance software that workers' union alleges was 'recording individuals in their homes and without their consent'
MindsEye, the developer of Build a Rocket Boy, is facing new legal action from the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain's Game Workers branch. The union alleges that the company's installation of Teramind surveillance software on employee PCs, which tracks keystrokes, screen activity, and microphone audio, violates data protection laws and the workers' privacy by recording individuals in their homes without consent.
MindsEye Devs Demand Answers Regarding Corporate Surveillance Issue
Employees of Build A Rocket Boy, represented by the IWGB Game Workers Union, are taking legal action against the company for installing surveillance software on their devices without consent. The union is demanding transparency regarding the data collected and its usage, while the company's leadership, including Leslie Benzies and Mark Gerhard, has accused former employees of corporate espionage related to the game MindsEye's poor launch.
Union takes legal action against Build a Rocket Boy over alleged data privacy violations
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has initiated legal action against Build a Rocket Boy, alleging data privacy violations due to the installation of Teramind surveillance software on employees' devices without consent. The union claims this software violates data protection laws and employee dignity by tracking keystrokes, screen activity, and audio. Build a Rocket Boy acknowledged installing the software, calling it 'enhanced cybersecurity,' and stated it would be removed within three months, though the IWGB reports it was removed in March after employee grievances.
Union workers take legal action against Build A Rocket Boy over alleged privacy violations
Unionized employees at Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) have filed legal action against the studio, alleging data privacy violations due to the installation of surveillance software called Teramind on work devices. The IWGB Game Workers Union claims BARB management has been uncooperative in disclosing what data was collected, how it was stored, and the reasons for the software's installation, which they describe as invasive and installed without consent.
AI Yi-Yi!
Senator Bernie Sanders is leading a significant push with labor leaders for AI protections and a moratorium on data center construction. Meanwhile, Jensen Huang suggests that while AI may not directly replace jobs, it will likely alter job roles and responsibilities.
Unionized game workers launch petition to protect immigrants from ICE agents
Unionized game workers, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and UVW-CWA, have launched a petition demanding employers implement 'Fourth Amendment workplaces.' This initiative calls for companies to refuse cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unless presented with a judicial warrant. The campaign aims to protect immigrant workers within the industry from potential deportation and arbitrary arrests.
Issues and Activism
Game developers marched at GDC to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights'. Separately, developers for Marvel Rivals addressed controversy surrounding 'gooner' skins, stating they were not intentionally designed.
Game dev union members marched at GDC to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights'
Members of the United Videogame Workers of CWA union marched at the Game Developers Conference to propose a 'Game Workers' Bill of Rights.' The proposed bill includes protections against mandatory AI use, anti-crunch policies, and protections for immigrant workers. The union also announced a 'We don't play with ICE campaign' and an upcoming online Gamer Workers Conference.
Ghost of Yotei star: 'workers need more protections' in game development
Erika Ishii, lead actor for Ghost of Yotei, used her acceptance speech at the DICE awards to call for better worker protections and fair pay in the game development industry. Ishii highlighted that despite the industry's lucrative status, the people who create games deserve recognition and fair treatment, drawing parallels to her parents' experiences as below-the-line workers in Hollywood.
