Last year, several cases came to light concerning volunteers and whether or not they deserved compensation for their time, here’s the latest.
We remember the Magic the Gathering lawsuits brought on by two judges who feel that Wizards of the Coast owes them compensation as they were more ‘de-facto employees’ than volunteers who gave their time freely. The lawsuit also asks Wizards of the Coast to create a non-profit that could utilize volunteers legally. If you need a refresher, check this article out for details.
The implications that this could have for event organizers that need volunteers to help set up, manage games, etc. are severe as many events cannot afford to fund a large staff and smaller events would not be able to get off the ground. These cases appear to still be ongoing.
One case that did see a development is the lawsuit against the Emerald City Comic Con over a similar instance where volunteers felt they were treated more like employees than volunteers. They were asking for double the back wages, interest, cost, and fees. These volunteers felt that the hours and breaks they had should be compensated. However, a caveat is that most of these conventions are non-profit organizations that can legally use volunteers.
All this is moot as this lawsuit is officially over. In a press release from the legal team involved in the lawsuit, it states that a settlement has been reached. Anyone who volunteered at the Emerald City Comic Con 2014 or 2015 can submit their information and receive a payout from the Settlement Fund. The total amount in the settlement fund is $493,227.
For more information on this case and the settlement, check out the details here.
It does look like conventions will be coming under more legal fire in the future. The settlement may not be a heavy handed blow for or against. However, it does open a door where volunteers, people who donate their time for love of the hobby/game, can sue and reasonably expect a settlement. That should never be the case and it will have event organizers, large and small, having to enter into strictly-worded contractual agreements with volunteers in order to avoid lawsuits.
Now, this may not effect local events but we never know when someone may get that entitlement itch. This will definitely be something to seriously consider and be concerned with if Games Workshop ever plans on getting into organized play events again.
What are your thoughts on this? Should volunteers expect paid compensation for their time? Should event organizers continue to use volunteers even if it may lead to being sued? Let us know in the comments below.
