**Developers at CD Projekt Red Form Union in Response to Layoffs**
The developers at CD Projekt Red, known for their work on games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, have come together to form a union. The move comes after three rounds of layoffs this year, as reported by Eurogamer.
According to Lev Ki and Paweł Myszka, founders of the Polish Gamedev Workers Union, all necessary documentation has been submitted. However, the union claims that they have not received any response from CD Projekt Red management.
The union was sparked by the layoffs that occurred earlier this year, resulting in 9% of CD Projekt Red employees being let go. This event caused significant stress and insecurity among the developers, leading to the formation of the union. The union aims to provide more security, transparency, and better protection for its members, as well as give them a stronger voice during times of crisis.
The Polish Gamedev Workers Union operates as a section of OZZ IP, a large union that covers various sectors and companies in Poland. The union’s goal is to build a collective and create a support system that actively works to protect employees’ rights and negotiate on their behalf. Currently, the union is focusing solely on CD Projekt Red employees to maintain a unique and unified voice.
The first objective of the union is to gather more members and establish a dialogue with CD Projekt Red management. The union is currently in a trial period, during which it is being legally established but does not yet have its complete governing body in place. This trial period is set to end in mid-December, followed by a large statutory meeting.
Game Informer has reached out to CD Projekt Red for their response or statement regarding the formation of the union. However, there is no update on their response at the time of writing.
In addition to the CD Projekt Red union, several other unions have been formed in the gaming industry this year. Microsoft recognized a union at ZeniMax Studios in January, and Sega of America employees successfully voted to create the largest multi-department union in the games industry in July.
The formation of this union comes just weeks after the release of CD Projekt Red’s latest expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, called “Phantom Liberty.” The formation of the union also follows the company’s announcement last year of new Cyberpunk and Witcher games, as well as a new IP.
The gaming industry continues to see an increase in union formations, with developers seeking more rights, security, and representation. The CD Projekt Red union is another step towards protecting the interests and well-being of game developers.
*[Source: Eurogamer]*