Advertisement

Sega of America workers overwhelmingly vote to unionize

They say AEGIS-CWA is the 'largest multi-department union of organized workers in the entire gaming industry.'

Kris Holt
Contributing Reporter
Updated ·2 min read
0
SOPA Images via Getty Images

Workers at Sega of America have voted to unionize. In a union representation election with the National Labor Relations Board, the workers voted 91-26 in favor of their unit, which is called the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega (AEGIS-CWA). Nineteen ballots were challenged, while three were void. As a result, the group has now officially organized with the Communications Workers of America.

The unit comprises more than 200 workers in various departments across the company, including the brand marketing, games as a service, localization, marketing services, product development, sales and quality assurance teams. While it's hardly the first games union in North America, the workers say it's "the largest multi-department union of organized workers in the entire gaming industry." However, ZeniMax Workers United/CWA includes around 300 quality assurance workers at ZeniMax Studios.

AEGIS-CWA plans to push for improved base pay and benefits, more staff to "eliminate overwork patterns" and more balanced workloads. The workers are also seeking remote work options, clearly defined responsibilities for each role and more.

Sega declined to voluntarily recognize the union. Management decided to "instead engage with known union-busters in an attempt to spread misinformation, fear and division," Winry Ramsey, a QA tester and AEGIS-CWA member previously said.

The parties have five business days to submit any objections they have to the election. Otherwise, the NLRB will certify the results. Sega will then have to bargain with AEGIS-CWA in good faith to agree on a union contract.

"We are overjoyed to celebrate our union election win as members of AEGIS-CWA. From the start of this campaign, it has been clear that we all care deeply about our work at Sega," Sega translator and AEGIS-CWA member Ángel Gómez said in a statement. "Now, through our union, we’ll be able to protect the parts of our jobs we love, and strengthen the benefits, pay, and job stability available to all workers. Together we can build an even better Sega. We hope our victory today is an inspiration to other workers across the gaming industry. Together, we can raise standards for all workers across the industry.”

Update 7/11 10:27AM ET: Added context around the certification process.