Wizards of the Coast Refuses Voluntary Union Recognition for D&D Teams
The Dungeons & Dragons and Studio X teams will now vote in a National Labor Relations Board secret-ballot election, the union said on October 14.
Wizards of the Coast has declined to voluntarily recognize the union drive by its Dungeons & Dragons and Studio X teams, sending the decision to a secret-ballot election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. The union, United Wizards of the Coast-CWA, announced the company's decision on Wednesday, October 14, and a Wizards of the Coast spokesperson confirmed it, according to gamesindustry.biz.
Staff on both teams announced their intent to unionize on October 6 and asked the company to recognize the union by October 13. The company declined. In an email to US staff, Wizards of the Coast said it is not neutral on the question of unionization and prefers to deal directly with employees rather than through unions.
The company also said it will honor the outcome of the election whichever way staff vote.
United Wizards of the Coast-CWA said its aims include fair pay, promotion routes, job security, remote work protections, better healthcare and an enforceable AI policy.
Earlier organizing at the Arena team
In April, the Magic: The Gathering Arena team announced its union and demanded ownership of what employees create in their own time. In May, Wizards and Hasbro missed the deadline to voluntarily recognize that team's union, and in June the Arena team voted to unionize by 79 votes to 16.
Quick answers
Did Wizards of the Coast recognize the D&D union?
No. The company declined voluntary recognition and the matter will go to a secret-ballot election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.
Who is eligible to vote in the election?
Staff on the Dungeons & Dragons and Studio X teams, who announced their intent to unionize on October 6.
What does the union want?
United Wizards of the Coast-CWA lists fair pay, promotion routes, job security, remote work protections, better healthcare and an enforceable AI policy among its aims.