This week, IGN workers announced their intentions to unionize, with 87% of eligible employees already signing union authorization cards. This move reflects a broader trend in the US, though the overall statistics show a decline in union membership over the years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 6% of private sector workers were union members in 2023, down from 16.8% in 1983.
Despite this, support for unionization appears to be growing within specific industries. For instance, in GDC’s 2024 State of the Game Industry survey, 57% of respondents supported unionization, compared to 56% in the IGDA’s 2014 Developer Satisfaction Survey.
While the gaming industry has seen a rise in unionization efforts, the general perception of increased support for unions across the US may stem from various factors.
Suresh Naidu, an economics professor at Columbia, suggests that changing attitudes towards work, exacerbated by experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to a renewed interest in unions.
A tightening labor market and government initiatives under the Biden administration have created an environment conducive to unionization discussions.
However, despite growing sentiment, actual union membership faces challenges. Naidu highlights obstacles such as employer resistance, including tactics like firing employees involved in unionization efforts. Moreover, the transient nature of employment in industries like gaming complicates the formation of stable organizing committees necessary for successful unionization campaigns.
To address these challenges, Naidu suggests potential solutions, including changes to federal labor laws and adopting measures like hour-sharing agreements to mitigate layoffs. He also emphasizes the importance of stable workforces in facilitating unionization efforts.
In the gaming industry, recent developments, including the unionization of IGN workers, underscore ongoing discussions about labor rights and conditions. While challenges persist, efforts to improve worker representation and rights continue amidst broader industry trends and financial developments.
