The IWGB Game Workers unveils inaugural manifesto
The IWGB Game Workers union has introduced its inaugural manifesto, advocating for enhanced compensation, reduced work hours, and increased job stability for video game developers in the UK.
The primary objectives outlined in the IWGB Game Worker's manifesto focus on several critical areas:
- Union recognition: Ensure employer acknowledgment for all union members
- Working hours and overtime: Minimize dependency on overtime, prevent forced overtime regulations, provide fair payment for extra work, implement a four-day work week, and designate mental health days within sick leave policies
- Compensation: Implement annual pay raises, improve standard wages for industry employees, distribute studio profits equitably, eliminate gender pay disparities, offer equal parental leave, secure residuals and royalties, and advance pension plans
- Accountability and transparency: Hold top executives accountable during mergers, acquisitions, and closures, require salary disclosure, and insist on transparent studio financial reporting
- Job security: Strengthen contract protections, clearly define redundancy processes, enhance redundancy benefits, advocate for AI legislation, and stop the misuse of fixed-term contracts
- Equity and inclusion: Guarantee universally accessible work practices, bolster support for disability, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ issues, and mental health, enforce strict policies against misconduct, support inclusive language, and require DEI training
- Training and education: Improve learning and career development programs, and require C-suite executives to undergo training in sexual misconduct prevention and antitrust practices
- Contractual terms: Eliminate unreasonable non-compete and non-disparagement terms, ensure proper accreditation, and safeguard ownership of personal projects
"The games industry has reached a crucial point," stated IWGB chair Austin Kelmore. "Following another challenging year filled with layoffs, workers are recognizing the urgent need for change, leading to an unprecedented level of unionization.
"The individuals working in the games industry are among the most passionate and creative, and management often exploits this dedication by denying fair wages, suitable working conditions, and job security."
Kelmore added, "By uniting, we can shape a different future for the game industry. Achieving stable employment, fair compensation, and a healthy work-life balance is attainable if we collectively demand them."
From December 2022 to December 2023, the union experienced a significant increase in membership, spurred by ongoing layoffs and studio shutdowns.