The union has established a hardship fund to support developers who have been laid off

The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has set up a financial assistance fund aimed at supporting videogame industry professionals in the U.S. and Canada who have been impacted by workforce reductions. Read more about the fund here.

This fund, backed through union dues, is structured with two tiers: the Small Fund Tier provides up to $1,000, while the Major Expenses Tier ranges from $1,000 up to $5,000.

Those who qualify can allocate these funds towards essential living and professional expenses, including food, housing, and healthcare. Applicants are required to submit a basic budget that estimates these costs.

Membership in the UVW-CWA or any other union is not a prerequisite for applying.

Even workers dealing with financial struggles not directly related to layoffs are invited to apply. Evaluation of applications will prioritize based on urgency and the level of need.

Additionally, Necrosoft Games has organized an Itch.io charity bundle to be released later this month, with all proceeds directed towards supporting the fund.

The UVW-CWA was founded in collaboration with the Communication Workers of America last year. It stands as the inaugural union in North America for developers to join directly, rather than through their specific workplace.

The union is open to full- and part-time professionals from a variety of fields, including those impacted by layoffs and individuals seeking to initiate or are currently organizing union efforts at their companies.