Game Workers in Quebec Launch Major Unionization Campaign

Video game workers in Quebec are making a significant effort to promote unionization across the region.

As reported by Polygon, workers supporting the Game Workers Unite Montreal initiative have joined forces with the Canadian trade union Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) to establish unions at major studios throughout Quebec.

GWU Montreal estimates that 15,000 video game workers are employed by companies like Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, EA, Gameloft, and others in Quebec.

Labor rights group GWU Montreal has been providing support and guidance to workers seeking unionization for years. Now, in collaboration with CSN in Quebec, they aim to offer more resources to members and assist in forming individual studio-based unions. These unions will then be able to negotiate with employers for better working conditions.

"Solidarity between studios" a major CSN goal

CSN president Caroline Senneville stated that this new structure will promote solidarity among studios, enabling workers to share knowledge and work towards common objectives.

"Union members will collectively decide on the demands to pursue while maintaining autonomy for local branches. A province-wide union empowers workers by forming a larger group, benefiting everyone and particularly smaller studios," Senneville told Polygon.

The CSN website lists several advantages of joining a labor union, including the ability to negotiate better wages, retirement plans, group and family insurance, improved working conditions, and enhanced job security.

Senneville emphasized the importance of solidarity in influencing policies and improving the quality of life for union members and society as a whole.

A game worker involved in the unionization effort sees the partnership between GWU Montreal and CSN as an opportunity to advocate for better working conditions on a broader scale.

If the industry continues to face challenges such as studio closures and layoffs, it will ultimately impact players. Understanding how games are developed and the conditions of game workers is crucial for the industry's sustainability," they told Polygon.

Earlier this year, Game Developer interviewed union members and advocates worldwide, including Canada, to explore the benefits of collective action in an industry facing increasing challenges. You can read the full report here.