Id Software Employees Vote to Form Union

Id Software, the renowned developer of the Doom series, has taken a significant step with its staff in Texas voting to establish a union. According to the Communications Workers of America (CWA), 165 employees have opted to create a bargaining unit, which will be part of the CWA's Local 6215 branch. Reports indicate this number represents the majority of the approximately 185 employees. The union at Id Software is described as 'wall-to-wall,' meaning it encompasses staff from various departments across the company. Andrew Willis, a producer at Id Software and member of the CWA Local 6215 organizing committee, emphasized the importance of this union, stating, 'It's crucial for developers across the industry to unite and push back against the unilateral changes being imposed by executives.' He further explained, 'The union is a means for us to reclaim control of the industry we love and ensure it produces high-quality products from skilled workers who have access to health benefits and long-term job security, beyond just quarterly profits.' Caroline Pierrot, a senior VFX artist and fellow organizing committee member, expressed her pride in being part of this effort, saying, 'I'm proud to have a voice in decisions that directly affect me and my coworkers. In an industry that has proven unstable, more unions mean more power for workers and a chance to shape the industry's future for the better.' This development follows Microsoft's labor neutrality agreement with the CWA in June 2022, which allows staff to form unions that would be automatically recognized by the company. Since then, several divisions within Microsoft's gaming sector have voted for union representation, including Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, and teams at Blizzard. These moves signify a growing trend of unionization in the gaming industry, with employees seeking better working conditions, benefits, and a stronger voice in the decision-making process.