Seven Seas Entertainment has recognized the United Workers of Seven Seas (UW72), the union that will represent the publisher’s workers. That move means no election is necessary and negotiations can begin to come up with a contract.

After it initially refused to waive the election, the publisher changed it mind and on June 25th tweeted:

In order to protect everyone involved, and to work together in good faith for the sake of our staff, creators, partners and fans, Seven Seas has now decided to waive the right to an election in favor of voluntary recognition of the union.

We look forward to working together with the newly unionized UW7S and the rest of our global staff as we sail towards an even brighter future.

The union’s response was one of gratitude:

In order to protect everyone involved, and to work together in good faith for the sake of our staff, creators, partners and fans, Seven Seas has now decided to waive the right to an election in favor of voluntary recognition of the union.

We look forward to working together with the newly unionized UW7S and the rest of our global staff as we sail towards an even brighter future.

The decision by Seven Seas was just saving a step and inevitable as a majority of the workers had signed cards saying they wanted to be represented by the union. They initially indicated they would not voluntarily recognize the union.

The union has since expanded its list of goals since the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court:

In the wake of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, we demand that Seven Seas set up a reproductive health travel fund accessible to all employees and US-based freelancers to states where reproductive healthcare remains available.

UW7S first announced its intention to unionize in May.

This is in contrast to Image which has fought the formation of its staff’s union. After a successful vote, the union is now negotiating its contract with Image.