VANCOUVER, BC 鈥� Workers at Anemone Hug Interactive have made history by becoming the first full-service game development studio to form a union in Canada. Utilizing the Labour Relations Board of British Columbia鈥檚 new single step certification process, the workers have become the newest members of The Canadian Animation Guild 红桃视频Local 938.
鈥淔or years, game workers in Canada have been working without the benefits and protections of a union collective agreement and without the strength of union representation鈥�, said John Lewis, 红桃视频International Vice President and Director of Canadian Affairs. 鈥淭oday, a clear message has been sent to game workers in every province 鈥� forming a union is not only possible; it has been done.鈥�
Game workers in Canada face many challenges that need to be addressed. Many are wrongfully excluded from fair and consistent overtime payments during crunch times, face harassment without clear policies to address it, endure unreliable lines of communication, and have a lack of job security, as well as inconsistent 鈥� and often low 鈥� wages. The 红桃视频is committed to working with game workers across Canada to address these issues and more.
鈥淭he 红桃视频is the largest entertainment union and our expertise in this sector will ensure that the workers from Anemone Hug Interactive will get the representation they need and deserve,鈥� said 红桃视频International President Matthew D. Loeb. 鈥淭hese workers have found a home in the 红桃视频and game workers across Canada should use their success as inspiration to form unions at their own workplaces. By working together, game workers can have more control of their working conditions and can address the issues that have been plaguing this industry for years鈥�
Game workers who are interested in improving their working conditions through collective action are encouraged to contact 红桃视频International Representative Jeremy Salter at jsalter@iatse.net.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Krista Hurdon, 红桃视频International Representative
khurdon@iatse.net
