Gmoffi Corner - Gmoffi Insight: What are workers’ rights? – A practical guide

Working in the game industry can be exciting, creative, and fast-paced, but like in any field, it’s important to understand your rights at work. Whether you’re a developer, artist, QA tester, or producer, knowing your rights helps you build a sustainable and fair career.

This short guide by Game Makers of Finland (Peliala ry) introduces the basics of workers’ rights and explains when it’s a good idea to reach out for support.

What are workers’ rights?

Workers’ rights are the basic protections and standards that apply to your working life. In Finland, these rights are defined by law and collective agreements, which together regulate issues such as pay, working hours, holidays, and safety.

As an employee, you are entitled to, for example:

• Fair pay

• Reasonable working hours and rest periods

• A safe and healthy work environment

• Protection against discrimination and unequal treatment

• A written employment contract

• The right to join a trade union

These rights exist to ensure that everyone can work in a professional, respectful, and sustainable environment, something that is especially important in the creative project-driven world of game development.

Why unions matter in the game industry

Trade unions play a key role in improving working conditions and ensuring that workers’ voices are heard. In Finland, unions negotiate collective agreements that define minimum standards for

salaries, working hours, and other employment conditions. Some game companies are following the IT Service Sector collective agreement, but it is also possible to negotiate a company-specific collective agreement. Such an agreement allows the parties to record and agree on the matters that are particularly important for that specific company.

In the game industry globally, many workers have raised concerns about issues such as:

• Unpaid or excessive overtime, e.k. crunching

• Job insecurity and layoffs

• Pay disparities

• Workplace culture and wellbeing

Unions, including Game Makers of Finland (Peliala ry), exist to support workers in addressing these challenges together, not alone.

When should you contact the union?

You don’t need to wait for a serious problem before reaching out. The earlier you seek advice, the easier it is to prevent issues from escalating.

Here are common situations where contacting your union is recommended:

1. You’re unsure about your contract

Employment contracts can include complex terms about pay, bonuses, working hours, or IP rights or NDA´s. A union can help you understand what you are agreeing to and assist in preparing a possible request for correction.

2. You have concerns about pay or working hours

If something doesn’t seem right, for example unpaid overtime or unexpected schedule changes, it’s worth asking for advice. Union representatives can help ensure agreements are followed.

3. You face difficult situations at work

This can include conflicts, inappropriate behavior, discrimination, or unclear expectations. If your employer raises concerns about your performance or conduct, it’s important to get support early. A union can help ensure fair procedures. For example PIPs, Personnel improvement plans, are becoming more common. You don’t have to handle these alone.

4. You are changing jobs or being laid off

Transitions are a good moment to check your rights regarding notice periods, compensation, and future options. Free support measures like career coaching, CV/portfolio workshops and career trainings are the union’s standard services.

You don’t have to navigate work alone

The game industry thrives on collaboration and the same applies to working life. Having someone to turn to for advice can make a big difference in your wellbeing and career.

If you’re unsure about something, it’s always okay to ask. Trade unions provide guidance, support, and, if needed, legal assistance to help you move forward with confidence. But remember, to get access on the services, you need to be a member.

Not yet our member? Join now through this link!