Stream in solidarity with striking game workers at Keywords Studios

Edmonton – April 24, 2024 – Striking UFCW 401 members and Canada’s first-ever unionized game workers have launched a weekly Twitch stream, inviting viewers worldwide to stand in solidarity in their fight for Fair Play for all workers in the video game industry.

The UFCW 401 workers at Keywords Studios were laid off in September 2023 amidst negotiations to achieve a first collective agreement. The team had joined UFCW 401 in Summer 2022 – making history by becoming the first ever workers in Canada’s videogame industry to form a union in their workplace. The team had previously worked on quality assurance and testing for industry heavyweight BioWare, owned by Electronic Arts.

During their months-long strike the team have launched their weekly Twitch stream in their ‘Strike Bunker’ where they discuss everything from labour and unions to playing the latest and retro videogames. The Twitch stream serves as a platform for amplifying the voices of the striking UFCW 401 members and to highlight some of the issues the global video game industry faces.

Through the stream, viewers have the opportunity to connect and interact with the striking members and share messages of support.

The striking workers at Keywords Edmonton are a part of a growing movement called Fair Play 4 Game Workers. Fair Play is comprised of professionals working in the video game industry across the globe, labour advocates, and concerned gamers, who are advocating for change in the industry to better benefit workers.

Join the solidarity on Twitch and stand with the striking UFCW members at Keywords Studios in Edmonton. Together, we can make a difference and advocate for a brighter future for workers across the industry.

Stand in solidarity with the Keywords Studios members: send a message to the CEOs of Keywords Studios, BioWare and Electronic Arts calling for fairness for their unionized staff.