Earlier this morning, QA testers working on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf voted unanimously to form Canada's first video game labor union. The motion was first filed on April 20, 2022. The vote concluded today with a final vote of 16-0 in favor of unionizing.
These testers are not employed directly through Electronic Arts. They are employed as contractors through Keywords Studios, which has over 40 offices all around the world. These particular contractors work at the Edmonton office and have helped work on several BioWare titles such as Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion named Legacy of the Sith. As noted, they are currently doing quality assurance testing for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf.
This entire push to form a union came about when Keywords Studios said that testers would be required to return to in-person work at BioWare starting on May 9. As it stands, testers do not receive paid sick leave. The testers also wanted an increase in their base pay to around $13 (USD) per hour. Though Keywords Studios relented on the in-person work mandate, the testers still wanted the pay increase and to prevent future pushes to return to in-person working.
Now that this union has formed, they will begin discussions with Keywords Studios later this week on their demands. Kotaku has some details on an email that was sent out by the newly unionized testers earlier today.
"We are excited to move into bargaining with the employer and start towards a more equitable working situation. We would like to thank the brave workers across North America who are fighting for a better workplace. We’re here in solidarity with you."
