Union launches hardship fund for laid off developers

The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has created a hardship fund for industry workers affected by layoffs in the United States and Canada.

Funded by UVW-CWA membership fees, two funding tiers are available for eligible applicants: the Small Fund Tier provides up to $1,000 and the Major Expenses Tier offers $1,000 to $5,000.

Funds may be used for work-related and life expenses such as groceries, rent, and medical costs. Applicants must provide a basic estimated budget for itemised expenses.

Applicants do not need to be UVW-CWA members or belong to any union.

Workers who have experienced related hardships, even if not laid off, are encouraged to apply. Applications will be prioritised based on need and urgency.

The union has also announced that an Itch.io charity bundle organised by Necrosoft Games will launch later this month, with 100% of the money raised supporting the fund.

The UVW-CWA launched in partnership with the Communication Workers of America last year, and is the first direct-join union for developers in the US and Canada that does not represent a single workplace.

Full-time and freelance workers across various disciplines can join, as well as those affected by layoffs and workers who want to or are organising unions in their workplace.