Magic: The Gathering Arena Developers Move to Unionize with CWA in Major Labor Push

Developers at Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, are set to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in a landmark unionization effort. The CWA announced it has secured a "supermajority" of workers in favor of forming a union chapter named United Wizards of the Coast (UWOTC-CWA).

The CWA has filed for a formal election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), but this process will be withdrawn if Hasbro voluntarily recognizes the union by May 1, 2024.

Workers Demand Accountability and Fair Wages

"At Wizards, we’re organizing for a say in layoffs, accountability that runs up and down the chain, and a living wage that actually lets people build a life," said Damien Wilson, a senior software engineer and UWOTC-CWA member. "I’m hopeful about what we can build here and being clear-eyed about why it’s necessary."

Workers have identified key concerns, including:

• Layoff protections and remote work policies
• Generative AI guardrails and mandatory crunch time
• Increased transparency and equity in the workplace

"This isn’t just something that affects Wizards of the Coast; it’s how most American workplaces are set up," Wilson added. "Unions are the missing counterweight to protect our craft."

Unionization Drive Fueled by 2023 Layoffs

The push to unionize gained momentum after Hasbro’s mass layoffs in 2023, which impacted nearly 2,000 workers. Developers expressed frustration over decisions by Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast that "have not aligned with the values of their employees."

CWA Leads Industry-Wide Unionization Efforts

The CWA has been instrumental in recent unionization drives across the gaming industry, including workers from Blizzard, ID Software, and indie developers from publishers like Heart Machine. According to the CWA, over 4,000 workers have organized as part of its CODE (Campaign to Organize Digital Employees) initiative.

"Every worker deserves job security, fair compensation, and a seat at the table," said Susie McAllister, CWA District 7 Vice President.