Following Layoffs and Controversy, ZA/UM's UK Staff Unite to Form the Workers' Alliance

The ZA/UM Workers' Alliance has been established to represent the interests of UK-based employees at the company, with the goal of creating a more collaborative and secure work environment. This move comes after a tumultuous period for the studio, marked by layoffs, project cancellations, and public controversy. According to marketing manager Poppy Ingham, the unionization effort is driven by a desire to protect the unique culture and creative spirit of the studio, while also ensuring that employees have a seat at the table in key decision-making processes. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) will represent the new initiative, which has already secured recognition from ZA/UM's management and will work to negotiate on issues such as pay, pensions, and working hours. The formation of the union is seen as a positive step towards addressing the broader issues facing the games industry, including the lack of collective bargaining power and the need for better working conditions. As UI/UX designer and union rep Declan Keane notes, the goal is to create a more sustainable and equitable model for the industry, where workers are valued and empowered to produce their best work.