The DHWU was announced last week with today, June 3rd, as the deadline for Dark Horse management to voluntarily recognize it. A majority of 59 workers at the Milwaukee-based published had voted for the union, which is recognized as part of Communication Workers of America Local 7901.
The Dark Horse statement, signed by interim CE) Jay Komas, affirmed that they viewed the union as part of their ongoing program to work with creators.
Dark Horse’s parent company, the Embracer Group (soon to become Fellowship Entertainment) is headquartered in Sweden, a somewhat socialist nation. Whether or not that viewpoint contributed to the swift acceptance of the union is something we may never know.
For much ore on why the Dark Horse workers decided to unionize, The Comics Journal has an extensive article by Zach Rabiroff including an interview with union spokesperson Riley VanDyke.
To the members of Dark Horse Workers United and everyone at Dark Horse:
I am pleased to announce that Dark Horse Comics is willing to voluntarily recognize Dark Horse Workers United as a recognized collective bargaining representative under standards established by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Our representatives have reached out to the union’s attorney to initiate the appropriate next steps in this process.
I’ve read your statement carefully, and I realize that organizing a union is not something people do lightly. It takes courage, coordination, and a level of trust in each other. I understand the employees’ disappointment with how issues have historically been addressed. You’ve taken this step because you believe Dark Horse can be better. So do I.
Over the years, this company has asked a great deal of its employees. People have poured themselves into this work; accepting conditions, absorbing uncertainty, and sometimes carrying burdens that were not always fairly distributed because they believed in what Dark Horse stood for. That belief is something we must honor. Dark Horse understands and accepts the obligation to change and, as we embark on this journey, we will do so in genuine partnership across our entire team.
Voluntary recognition is an unusual step for employers, but in doing so Dark Horse intends to reaffirm its commitment that this new leadership wants to do things differently and enter into good-faith bargaining. Not because we are required to, but because it is the right thing to do. The path to a strong Dark Horse runs through a workforce that feels heard, respected, and genuinely invested in the company’s future, not one that feels like it must fight just to be seen.
To our creators and licensors: The team at Dark Horse Comics has delivered excellence for you time and time again. We see that excellence. Dark Horse is committed to providing a more supportive environment to ensure that legacy continues.
To fans of Dark Horse Comics: We care deeply not just about the stories we bring you, but about how we bring them to life. With greater respect and improved working conditions, we’ll build a Dark Horse you can believe in for more than just great comics.
On behalf of the Dark Horse Comics Leadership Team, we look forward to sitting down at the bargaining table with Dark Horse Workers United and continue to build something of which we are all proud.
With respect,
Jay Komas
Interim CEO, Dark Horse Comics
