2K’s Motion Capture Studio in California requests to hold a vote on forming a union
Update, October 24, 2024: Following the news of the unionization efforts at the 2K Motion Capture Studio in Petaluma, California, a representative from 2K shared with GamesIndustry.biz:
"Our employees are vital to our projects and are the driving force behind the games we produce. Thus, we aim to cultivate an environment that addresses their needs and fosters their professional development.
"We acknowledge that IATSE plans to represent certain workers at our Petaluma motion capture facility. We respect the choice of these employees to decide, via an informed vote, if IATSE representation is what they prefer.
"The needs of our team are varied, and our sector is continually facing new obstacles as we grow. We believe collaboration through existing feedback mechanisms is the optimal way to address these needs, rather than pursuing unionization.
"Nonetheless, we recognize that opinions on this topic may differ, and consistent with our principles, we encourage open discussions and value the dialogue anticipated in the coming weeks."
Original story, October 23, 2024: Employees of the 2K Motion Capture Studio in Petaluma, California, have initiated unionization proceedings.
Twenty-one full-time employees, involved in capturing motion for a range of projects for Take-Two Interactive, including their major NBA and BioShock titles, have sought voluntary union recognition to tackle key issues regarding pay and work conditions.
As of now, Take-Two has not provided a comment, leading employees to push for a union election to be managed by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
The unionization effort encompasses several roles, such as motion capture engineers, technicians, animators, artists, audio recording specialists, carpenters, and fabricators.
"Working at 2K Mocap has been a dream realized for my colleagues and me," said Connor Bredbeck, a Stage Technician, via a statement. "Our passion for our work motivates us to organize and is ultimately the reason for this action.
"The inequities we face are widespread within the gaming industry and undermine the dedication we have for our work. Unionizing was a necessary progression for our studio and potentially for others as well."
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is backing the workers.
"These committed workers are crucial to the top-tier video games their work helps create, aligning their skills with those already represented by IATSE," remarked Michael F. Miller, IATSE's international VP.
"IATSE wholeheartedly supports the 2K mocap team and all video game workers in aligning with the rights union members across the entertainment field enjoy. We anticipate a fair election and are prepared for constructive negotiations with Take-Two Interactive to respect their employees' voices through good faith discussions."
Earlier today, it was reported that the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) verified that, in preparation for renewed talks with video game developers, over 120 games from 49 firms have agreed to the union's tiered-budget or interim deals.
SAG-AFTRA states that the primary contentious matter has been "gaining proper consent, compensation, and transparency regarding the use of AI for all members involved in the contract." They opted to strike in late July following a breakdown in discussions with the corresponding bargaining group over rights and protection issues.