Thread by @PaizoWorkers

Hi everybody. We’re 30+ members of the Paizo staff, and today we’re announcing that we have formed the United Paizo Workers, one of the first unions of its kind in the tabletop game industry.

#UnionizePaizo

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To those of you who have spent the past weeks infuriated by the stories you’ve heard about Paizo’s management and by the conditions we’re forced to work under, and who have called for #PaizoAccountability, we just want to say: Thank you. 2/n

We see you, we know you, and we feel the same way you do. Your support through uncertainty has meant everything to us as we’ve made plans together, and we’re so excited to be finally able to share all of this with you. 3/n

Over the past weeks, we’ve been comforting each other, sharing our stories, and discussing how to ensure that the change that you all have pushed for - that we badly need - comes to fruition. 4/n

In pretty much every company in America today, the bosses have all the power. That’s by design. Workers have precious few mechanisms with which to affect their workplaces, except one: their voice. And when all our voices come together, we actually can effect change. 5/n

So that’s what we’re doing. By forming a union, we’ll be able to speak with one voice to management, and to finally have a say in how the company we love is run. We’ll be able to protect each other, stand up for each other, and fight for what’s right. 6/n

A strong majority of eligible employees have committed to this effort already, and now that we’re public we expect to welcome more into our movement. We are united as one front, with one voice, as one party, to call out for change, for action, and for accountability. 7/n

In the coming days and weeks, we’ll be talking more about our union - what we’re fighting for, how we’ll get it, and how a union goes from two people having a conversation to a united group, protected by law and with a binding employment contract. 8/n

For now, what we’re calling for is voluntary recognition from Paizo management. For them to agree to sit down at the bargaining table with us and engage in good-faith negotiations.

For them to show they care about their staff, this community, and the products they produce. 9/n

If you support the staff of Paizo - and we know you do - there are some simple things you can do. First, share this message far and wide! Retweet, post on Facebook, share on Discord, and use the hashtag #UnionizePaizo to show your support. 10/n

If you’re so inclined, write an email to the executives, expressing your approval and asking them to recognize our union. Let them know what our games mean to you, and why you support their staff so much. 11/n

And remember, the executives - Jeff, Erik, Lisa, they’re all our staff too. Remind them of that. Tell them that you support them too, and that you want to see Paizo as a strong workplace for all employees. 12/n

Remember: when one party member is in trouble, we *all* roll initiative. This movement is built of Paizo staff, out of the love we have for our games, each other, and the community. We can’t do this without your support. 13/n

Thank you all so much. We’re looking forward to a brighter future, and to building it together, as the United Paizo Workers.

Solidarity, friends, and thank you. #UnionizePaizo

-- UPW
14/n

- Raychael Allor, Customer Service Representative
- Brian Bauman, Software Architect
- Logan Bonner, Pathfinder Lead Designer
- Robert Brandenburg, Software Developer
- James Case, Pathfinder Game Designer

- John Compton, Starfinder Senior Developer
- Katina Davis, Webstore Coordinator
- David "Cosmo" Eisele, Sales Manager
- Heather Fantasia, Customer Service Representative
- Eleanor Ferron, Pathfinder Developer

- Keith Greer, Customer Service Representative
- Logan Harper, Customer Service Representative
- Sasha "Mika" Hawkins, Sales and E-Commerce Assistant
- Jenny Jarzabski, Starfinder Developer
- Erik Keith, Software Test Engineer

- Mike Kimmel, Organized Play Line Developer
- Avi Kool, Senior Editor
- Maryssa Lagervall, Web Content Manager
- Luis Loza, Pathfinder Developer
- Joe Pasini, Starfinder Lead Designer

- Austin Phillips, Customer Service Representative
- Lee Rucker, Project Coordinator
- Michael Sayre, Pathfinder Designer
- Shay Snow, Editor
- Alex Speidel, Organized Play Coordinator

- Sol St. John, Editor
- Levi Steadman, Software Test Engineer
- Gary Teter, Senior Software Developer
- Josh Thornton, Systems Administrator II
- Jake Tondro, Senior Developer
- Andrew White, Front End Engineering Lead

In Solidarity:
- Thurston Hillman, Digital Adventures Developer