Posted in: Comics, Dark Horse Comics | Tagged: Dark Horse Workers United, union
Dark Horse Demands Editors Quit Union, Join Management Or Take Pay Cut
The Dark Horse Workers United union state Dark Horse has demanded Senior Editors quit union, join management or take a demotion and pay cut
Article Summary
- Dark Horse Workers United says Senior Editors were told to join management or face demotion and a major pay cut.
- The union alleges Dark Horse is redefining Senior Editor roles to strip union eligibility before contract talks begin.
- Publishers Weekly reports the threatened pay cut could be about $10,000 if Senior Editors reject new supervisory duties.
- Dark Horse Workers United rallied in Milwaukie, accusing union-busting and demanding Senior Editors keep status and pay.
The Dark Horse Workers United union, which announced itself earlier this year and was recognised by Dark Horse Comics shortly afterwards, last week posted a series of statements challenging the company. They state;
“Dark Horse leadership is attempting to reduce union membership by claiming supervisory status for Senior Editors, who have never been allowed management roles. Since the Voluntary Recognition Agreement has been signed, DHWU has been working in good faith with Dark Horse Comics to take next steps toward contract negotiations, but that good faith has not been reciprocated. Our Senior Editors, who have collectively brought over 100 years of dedication to creating some of your favorite comics, are now in the crosshairs. As of now, Senior Editors are not supervisors, but Dark Horse is hoping to sidestep this by giving them supervisory responsibilities and acting as if they were there the whole time.”
“This week, Senior Editors were given ‘job clarifications’ that entirely changed their job descriptions. If they don’t agree to take on management tasks and sacrifice their union eligibility, they will be demoted and receive a significant pay cut. DHWU will fight for our amazing senior editors, and we call on Dark Horse to join us in good-faith negotiations. No more underhanded attempts to reduce our union membership. The herd stands strong!”
Publisher’s Weekly reported that an organising committee member told them that if senior editors did not accept the new supervisory role, the pay cut would be around $10,000. Dark Horse Comics told them that “The agreement recognises that, under the National Labour Relations Act, statutory supervisors are not eligible for union representation. We remain committed to working together in good faith throughout the collective bargaining process.”
Dark Horse Workers United held a protest against union-busting at Milwaukie Waterfront Park, saying “hear from the Senior Editors themselves, union members, and local leaders about the importance of protecting the labour rights of all our coworkers” and asked supporters to dress up as their favourite characters.
People’s World covered the event, reporting that a union committee member opened the rally, saying that Dark Horse Comics management was “willing to threaten the jobs and careers of our Senior Editors to gain the upper hand and continue to deny Dark Horse Employees a voice. This displays a disregard for our Union’s collective action and goals for a democratic workplace that treats workers with respect, not as pawns in Management’s desire to hold power and deny equity… We, the membership of Dark Horse Workers United, demand that Senior Editors be recognised as frontline workers, as union members, and retain their current pay.” While Angelita Morillo, the Portland City Councilperson from District 3, reminded the protesters that Portland is a union-friendly city and called on Dark Horse leadership to put their money where their mouth is. “Dark Horse Comics prides itself on creative ownership, creative freedom, and shared profits, but they’ve turned their back on their own workers. We need Dark Horse to come to the table and negotiate a fair deal, Portland will not accept anything less.”
And after the speeches, attendees marched past the Dark Horse office with cosplay, chants and signs such as “I Bust Ghosts Not Unions”, “Villains Should Be Fictional” and “Dark Horse Heel Turn”. Those who dressed in costumes were given Dark Horse Workers United T-shirts. Even at a union march in comics, it seems, there is swag.
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