Rockstar Games, the developer of Grand Theft Auto, is facing accusations of union-busting after terminating the employment of 31 UK-based workers. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) alleges the firings were intended to thwart unionization efforts within the company, leading to protests outside Rockstar’s offices. Rockstar claims the dismissals were due to the sharing of confidential information, a violation of company policy. The IWGB refutes this explanation, asserting the firings were directly related to union involvement, and that Rockstar is prioritizing union-busting.
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The British Columbia Labour Relations Board has upheld its previous decision granting union certification to Unifor at an Amazon facility in Delta, B.C. The board found Amazon intentionally increased its employee roster to dilute union support during a membership drive, thereby manipulating the employee list to avoid certification. Despite Amazon’s claims of an operational need for additional staff, the panel ruled the company’s actions constituted interference with employees’ associational rights, justifying the remedial certification. Amazon plans to appeal the decision, while Unifor prepares to negotiate a collective agreement for the workers.
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On Thursday, four Bay Area locations of Blue Bottle coffee voted to unionize, joining the growing trend of barista organizing across the U.S. The workers, who voted 22 to 5 in favor of joining the Blue Bottle Independent Union, aim to secure better benefits and higher wages to address the high cost of living. This independent union, which previously unionized six locations in the Boston area, is focused on maintaining flexibility and control. The union drive, announced in June, highlights concerns regarding benefits, wages, and transparency in coffee sourcing.
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In a landmark decision, UFCW Local 1518 in British Columbia announced the unionization of over 500 Uber drivers in Greater Victoria, marking the first-ever union certification for app-based drivers in Canada. This achievement follows months of organizing, aided by British Columbia’s worker-friendly labor laws, including card-check unionization and recent amendments to the Employment Standards Act that extended a form of employment status to online platform workers. The drivers will now begin negotiating their first collective agreement, with pay transparency being a key focus, potentially setting a precedent for gig economy workers. While this victory is historic, challenges remain, particularly in securing a favorable first contract and the possibility of Uber’s withdrawal from the jurisdiction.
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Whole Foods’ Philadelphia Center City store employees voted to unionize with the UFCW, marking the first union within the Amazon-owned chain. A majority of the 230 workers voted in favor, despite alleged anti-union tactics from the company. The union cited the need for better wages, benefits, and working conditions as motivating factors for the vote. Whole Foods expressed disappointment but committed to maintaining a positive work environment, while the UFCW plans to negotiate a fair contract. This win follows other successful unionization efforts at Amazon’s warehouses and delivery services.
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Amazon’s announcement to close all seven Quebec warehouses, resulting in nearly 2,000 job losses, has prompted Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne to demand a review of the federal government’s relationship with the company. While Amazon attributes the closures to operational efficiency, the timing follows the unionization of a Montreal warehouse, raising concerns about potential retaliatory action. Champagne has contacted Amazon’s CEOs, expressing his dissatisfaction and hinting at potential repercussions, including a review of the government’s numerous contracts with the company. The minister’s strong response underscores the federal government’s intent to address the situation and protect Canadian workers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker