UVW-CWA’s Statement on Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies Recognition

Media Contact: Sean Nesmith ([email protected]), 202-340-4361 

NATIONWIDE — In response to United Videogame Workers-CWA Local 9433 (UVW-CWA) being recognized in Fast Company’s annual ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2026’ list, the UVW-CWA Executive Board released the following statement: 

While this recognition comes as a surprise to us, we take great pride in being included in Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies List in the gaming category for 2026. We are not a company—we are game workers demanding dignity in the face of an industry that treats us as disposable. Our pride comes from seeing our efforts in giving workers a voice recognized. Just yesterday, the tragic layoffs of more than a thousand workers at Epic Games reaffirms the necessity of our work — it’s time for the workers of this industry to come together, build power, and take back the narrative. 

For far too long, those who speak for the industry have been executives and the privileged few, but hear us now: this is just the beginning. 

Game workers, from any of the companies recognized on this list and across the industry at large: if you are interested in taking the first step towards organizing your workplace(s) or if you wish to join our efforts as a freelancer, indie developer, or co-op worker, reach out to a UVW-CWA organizer here. For all other tech workers in the industry looking to connect with an organizer, reach out to a CODE-CWA organizer here. 

We urge the companies recognized on this list to respect workers’ rights to organize, commit to union neutrality, and bargain in good faith.