Game Workers Unite Australia (GWUA), a group that had previously been solely an advisory and support organization, just announced that early next year, it will be transitioning into a full-blown union. In its current form, GWUA has been “supporting and empowering workers to build a better games industry,” by providing information and assistance to anyone wanting to join a union. But that will change in 2022 when GWUA becomes Game Workers Australia (GWU). This will allow gaming industry workers to join the same, specific union where they’ll be afforded all the benefits and protections of joining a union, one specifically tailored to their industry.
The GWU will “take legal action to defend our members against underpayments, discrimination, and bullying, organize collective agreements at workplaces, and lobby governments and industry on an equal playing field with studio owners and publishers,” according to their press release.
By becoming a member of the newly formed Game Workers Australia, one can become a formal trade union member of Professionals Australia. They will be granted access to support, services, and solidarity that will help gaming professionals at their workplace.
They will retain a free membership tier, and continue to offer the same assistance that is currently offered to anyone in need. It’s unclear exactly when Game Workers Australia will launch, but it shouldn’t be long after the New Year.
(All information was provided by Kotaku)
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