Workers at eBay-owned TCGPlayer Allege Retaliation, Coercion, and Intimidation in Unfair Labor Practice Charges

(SYRACUSE, New York) - The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed a third unfair labor practice charge against eBay-owned TCGPlayer, one of the largest online marketplaces for trading card games, for multiple labor violations including interfering with, restraining and coercing employees engaging in protected and concerted union activity. 

In February, employees alleged TCGPlayer management including CEO Chedy Hampson, threatened workers by giving them an ultimatum of choosing between being a member of TCGUnion-CWA or continuing their employment at an all staff meeting, Furthermore, TCGPlayer management implied that workers could be disciplined for speaking in support of the union, and told workers that sharing information from anti-union meetings would violate their NDA and result in retaliatory consequences. In addition, management interrogated employees about union activity and prohibited them from discussing the above threats with fellow colleagues, union representatives, or attorneys. 

“eBay and TCGplayer have the opportunity to transform our workplace, and the card trading industry for the better. But rather than commit to neutrality and let workers decide for themselves whether they want a union or not, management has chosen to hire the same union-busting consultant as Apple, Amazon, and Starbucks,” said Lindsey Gancasz, employee at TCGPlayer’s Authentication Center. “It’s disheartening to see another large employer take the low road when ultimately, we just want respect and protections on the job. Trading card game workers should have the right to fight for a future that prioritizes their well-being and livelihoods at the company they love without intimidation. It is our protected right under the law.”

Early this year, TCGunion-CWA became the first group of eBay workers to file for a union representation election with the Communications Workers of America. CWA filed a multiple unfair labor practice charge against TCGPlayer since the union went public for violating federal labor law including alleged surveillance of employees who wore insignia identifying them as supporters of the union by TCGPlayer supervisors and managers, including CEO Chedy Hampson, as well as illegally forcing employees to attend mandatory anti-union meetings to influence their decision about whether or not to join a union. 

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The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is an initiative by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) supporting workers’ organizing efforts in the technology and game industries.