Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Video Game Workers in Madison Win Union Rights!

Video game workers who work at Activision Blizzard-owned Raven Software in Madison have won their NLRB union election in a landslide! Quality assurance testers have come together as the Game Workers Alliance (CWA) to become the first union at a major video game maker and just the second video game union in the United States.

"Five months ago, we formed the Game Workers Alliance-CWA on the principles of solidarity, sustainability, transparency, equity, and diversity,” said members of the Game Workers Alliance. “Management at Activision Blizzard worked tirelessly to undermine our efforts to establish our union, but we persevered. Our biggest hope is that our union serves as inspiration for the growing movement of workers organizing at video game studios to create better games and build workplaces that reflect our values and empower all of us. We look forward to working with management to positively shape our working conditions and the future of Activision Blizzard through a strong union contract.”

Wisconsin workers are leading the charge for worker rights and strong union contracts in the video game industry and beyond.

“Congratulations to the members of the Game Workers Alliance (CWA) union who have stood strong against fierce union-busting to organize their workplace and make history by becoming the first union in the video game industry in Wisconsin and just the second union in the video game industry in the United States,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “Wisconsin workers continue to say ‘union yes’ as a historic wave of union organizing sweeps our nation. Game Workers Alliance (CWA) members are determined and united in their demand for sustainability, transparency, diversity and equity in the video gaming industry. The multibillion-dollar video gaming industry is built on workers putting in long, grueling hours for little pay. Game Workers Alliance (CWA) union members at Raven Software have come together to demand a seat at the table to secure improvements that will help all workers in this industry. We call on Activision Blizzard and Raven Software to come to the table in good faith and negotiate a first union contract with Game Workers Alliance (CWA) members.”

Congratulations to Game Workers Alliance members. Onwards to a strong first contract!

 

Game Workers Alliance Members at Raven Software Win Historic Union Vote

Quality Assurance testers who work on the game Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard-owned Raven Software in Madison win union election, becoming second video game union in the nation

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement on this afternoon’s NLRB election results finding the Game Workers Alliance (CWA) union members at Raven Software have won their union vote with 86% of the vote. 

“Congratulations to the members of the Game Workers Alliance (CWA) union who have stood strong against fierce union-busting to organize their workplace and make history by becoming the first union in the video game industry in Wisconsin and just the second union in the video game industry in the United States. Wisconsin workers continue to say ‘union yes’ as a historic wave of union organizing sweeps our nation. Game Workers Alliance (CWA) members are determined and united in their demand for sustainability, transparency, diversity and equity in the video gaming industry. The multibillion-dollar video gaming industry is built on workers putting in long, grueling hours for little pay. Game Workers Alliance (CWA) union members at Raven Software have come together to demand a seat at the table to secure improvements that will help all workers in this industry. We call on Activision Blizzard and Raven Software to come to the table in good faith and negotiate a first union contract with Game Workers Alliance (CWA) members.”

Shame on Starbucks for Firing Wisconsin Union Organizer

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, released the following statement admonishing Starbucks for firing a union organizer in Plover. On May 6, Starbucks terminated Kolton Gosnell’s employment just days after workers won their union election for being at the store after hours while off the clock. Gosnell was an outspoken and public supporter of the union drive.

“Shame on Starbucks for firing union organizer Kolton Gosnell for wishing a coworker a happy birthday. The union-busting and intimidation tactics from Starbucks, a multi-billion-dollar company, is unacceptable and immoral. I recently met Kolton at an organizing rally in April and was inspired by his motivation, his spirit to organize, and his willingness to stand up for justice. The Wisconsin labor movement proudly stands in solidarity with Kolton as he seeks reinstatement to his job. Federal law states every worker has the right to join with their coworkers to improve their workplace. Firing someone for protected union activity is unlawful. We will fight for justice for Kolton and for all Starbucks workers facing bogus firings and illegal union-busting from Starbucks.”

SMART Local 565 on strike at Trachte Building Systems in Sun Prairie

At midnight on Friday May 6, over 105 members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 565 went on strike at Trachte Building Systems in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

SMART Local 565 members at Trachte make vital training centers for fire fighters and first responders and storage units that are used across the country. SMART members are on strike for flexibility and a work-life balance.

SMART Local 565 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer Jesse Buell said that SMART members are united for a fair contract. “There’s been lots of a mandatory overtime put on the workers through the pandemic,” stated Buell. “The company is looking for additional mandatory overtime language. Workers just want flexibility and to be able to spend time with family.”

Click here to sign our solidarity petition in support of striking SMART Local 565 members who work at Trachte Building Systems in Sun Prairie.

“We send solidarity and strength to SMART members as they hold the line for a fair and just contract that allows workers to spend time with their family,” said Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “Like many essential workers, SMART Local 565 members worked long hours and excessive overtime to deliver for our communities. SMART Local 565 members are taking collective action to address mandatory overtime so they can spend time with their family and loved ones outside of work. Strikes are never easy, but the willingness of union members to stand together for justice and fairness at work bolsters our middle class and improves workplaces for all.”

Join SMART Local 565 members on the picket line:

Trachte Building Systems, 314 Wilburn Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

7 am - throughout the day

Click here to sign our solidarity petition today.