A City in Crisis: Minneapolis Labor Mobilized, and the Fight for Video Game Workers’ Rights

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explores two critical fronts in the modern labor movement: the massive mobilization for civil rights in Minneapolis and the rapidly evolving union landscape of the video game industry.

As of January 29, 2026, Minnesota is at the center of a national crisis following the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse and AFGE member, while video game workers across the globe prepare for a historic international strike at Ubisoft.


Part 1: Minneapolis Labor Federation Mobilizes Against ICE
Guest: Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO)

 
Following the Day of Truth and Freedom on Jan. 23, Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou joins the show to discuss a community in motion. Despite subzero temperatures, an estimated 90,000 people rallied in Minneapolis to demand an end to ICE's "occupation" of local neighborhoods.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Scale of Resistance: Why nearly 100,000 people marched in -23°F weather and how the Target Center became a hub for solidarity within 48 hours.
• The Death of Alex Pretti: A look at the tragic killing of the AFGE Local 3669 member and why labor leaders argue that current enforcement tactics are making workplaces and communities less safe.
• Building a Defense: The surge in Constitutional Observer and nonviolent action trainings, which have tripled in participation as union members choose preparation over retreat.
• Economic Blackout: How 1,000 small businesses stood with labor while major corporations remained silent.

"The resilience of our community is so strong right now. You cannot go into a neighborhood that is not self-organizing." — Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou



Part 2: United Videogame Workers-CWA & The Future of Gaming
Guests: Vlada Monakhova (Montreal) & Anna Webster (Los Angeles), United Videogame Workers-CWA (Local 9433)

The "dream job" of game development is facing a reality check. With United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA) nearing 600 members since its March 2025 launch, organizers are proving that even "creatives" need the power of a union contract.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Ubisoft Strike: Details on the February 10-12 international walkout called by five unions in response to studio closures and the 5-day return-to-office mandate.
  
   
• The "Art Factory" Myth: Shifting the industry mindset from "passion-driven" to "worker-led" to combat exploitation and $200M cost-cutting plans.
• Contract Wins & AI Protections: How workers at Blizzard, Bethesda, and Sega are securing rights over generative AI and winning residual payments for game releases.
• GDC Festival of Gaming 2026: UVW’s plans for a major presence at the San Francisco event (March 9-13) to organize the next generation of developers.

Take Action & Resources:

• Listen to the full episode to hear the firsthand accounts of these labor leaders.
• Support Minneapolis Labor: Contact the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation for nonviolent action training.
• Join the Gaming Movement: Are you a developer or freelancer? Connect with United Videogame Workers-CWA to protect your career.

Keywords: Union Rights 2026, Minneapolis ICE Protests, Alex Pretti AFGE, United Videogame Workers, Ubisoft Strike 2026, CWA Local 9433, Labor Podcast, Collective Bargaining AI.



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