Mass layoffs are on the rise in all game studios, and Quebec is no exception. Workers shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of financial instability or irresponsible economic decisions motivated by greed and speculation. It’s time to put an end to crunch and to financial and job insecurity in the industry.
Our industry operates from the top down and is managed by boards of directors whose leaders are only interested in what will make investors happy. Why should we accept decisions that run counter to our expertise? It’s the workers who develop and produce games year after year — we should be part of the decision-making process!
Dignity and respect in the workplace should not depend on the goodwill of those in positions of authority. Whether it’s sexual or psychological harassment, racism, or retaliation for asserting one’s rights, abuses lurk around every corner. The industry must do better!
We want to establish a province-wide union for video game workers in Quebec, where we’ve created a truly world-class hub. As workers, we have demands that are shared in common with other workers regardless of studio. A province-wide union makes it possible to bring together workers from all studios under the same banner, all while guaranteeing autonomy to its local components. Remember, a union’s strength is in numbers!
This structure will ensure the development of solidarity between studios, sharing of collective knowledge, and collaboration around common issues. In this way, we can raise the ceiling for working conditions throughout the industry for everyone.
Unionizing will also give us the means to move the needle on industry-wide issues. As union members, we’ll be able to collectively decide on which demands to rally around — for example, the four-day workweek, or obtaining real crediting standards to ensure workers’ names aren’t left off the credits reel.
The CSN is a union federation formed by workers who have decided to join forces and organize their workplaces. Unions affiliated with the CSN maintain their autonomy at all times and are fully controlled by their members.
Here’s a short list of available services at the CSN:
In Quebec, the right to unionize is protected by the most robust laws in North America. Employers cannot interfere nor retaliate. If you’re curious or want to know more, the CSN and Game Workers Unite Montreal are here to answer your questions.
Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) and Game Workers Unite Montreal.
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