A supermajority of Dark Horse Media staff, including retailer workers, have formed the Dark Horse Workers United union with CWA, requesting voluntary recognition from interim CEO Jay Komas by June 3rd. citing layoffs, wage freezes, AI concerns, leadership changes, and return-to-office policies. The unionization drive aims to secure equitable pay, workplace democracy, and uphold the company's creator-owned comics legacy amid recent upheaval, including the exit of founder Mike Richardson and store closures. Without recognition, the union will petition the NLRB for an election.
Dark Horse Comics employees have taken a significant step toward forming a union, announcing the creation of Dark Horse Workers United (DHWU) in alliance with the Communications Workers of America ( CWA ).
A supermajority of the staff, including workers from the associated comics retailer, have requested that interim CEO Jay Komas voluntarily recognize the union by June 3rd. Should recognition not be granted, the union plans to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to hold an election. A total of 59 eligible employees signed the letter to leadership, outlining their goals of achieving equitable pay, establishing workplace democracy, and ensuring a stronger commitment to the publisher's creator-owned comics legacy.
The organizing effort comes amid a period of substantial turmoil at Dark Horse, marked by layoffs, a hiring and wage freeze, shifts in top leadership following the exit of founder Mike Richardson, the closure of the Things From Another World retail location, and new policies requiring a return to office despite financial strains on employees. Concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in creative workflows have also been cited as a motivating factor.
The union emphasizes that these actions are driven by a deep affection for the company and the comic industry, with the intent to secure a sustainable and democratic future for the workforce. CWA Local 7901 President voiced support, stating that the union is proud to stand with Dark Horse employees and looks forward to collaborative efforts to make the company an industry leader.
Dark Horse Workers United also expressed a desire to join other unionized workers in the broader comics sector, aiming to strengthen the labor movement across the publishing field. This development positions Dark Horse, traditionally known for its creator-owned model and early adoption of manga, alongside other publishers where unionization drives have emerged, reflecting a growing trend of labor activism in the entertainment and media industries
Dark Horse Comics Union Dark Horse Workers United Communications Workers Of America CWA Jay Komas Labor Comic Books Creator-Owned Layoffs Wage Freeze AI Return To Office Mike Richardson Things From Another World NLRB
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