Kickstarter

In February 2026, Kickstarter terminated four union members just three months after ratifying a contract with Kickstarter United (OPEIU Local 153) that included a 4-day workweek and strong AI protections. The company created a new team to take over terminated employee Jason Featherington's work, then outsourced it to non-union contractors using AI tools. Union filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with NLRB and grievances over contractor/AI use undermining bargaining unit work. Shop steward Zak Thompson called the retaliation 'unconscionable.'