Magic: The Gathering Arena devs’ union officially elected, following claims Wizards of the Coast were dragging their heels on voluntary recognition
Magic: The Gathering Arena developers’ union has been officially elected following months of labor organizing efforts. The union, United Wizards of the Coast - CWA, was voted on by Arena developers earlier this year and subsequently filed an election petition with the US National Labor Relations Board in April.
In parallel with the formal NLRB process, the organizing workers requested that Wizards of the Coast voluntarily recognize the union without requiring a formal election. However, workers claimed in May that the company was dragging its feet on voluntary recognition and had missed the established deadline. The official election provides the union with legal standing regardless of the company’s position on voluntary recognition.
With the union now officially elected, United Wizards of the Coast - CWA aims to move forward with contract negotiations. The union hopes to secure a ratified contract with management in the coming months. This development represents a significant milestone in broader efforts by game developers to unionize and collectively bargain for improved working conditions and employment terms.