Staff at crowdfunding website Kickstarter have announced plans to unionise.

The Verge reports that Kickstarter United has partnered with the Office and Professional Employees International Union to organise its workers, in an attempt to improve transparency and inclusivity at the funding firm.

If successful, Kickstarter would become the first major tech company in the US with an unionised workforce.

“Kickstarter United is proud to start the process of unionizing to safeguard and enrich Kickstarter’s charter commitments to creativity, equity, and a positive impact on society,” said Kickstarter United in a statement. “We trust in the democratic process and are confident that the leadership of Kickstarter stands with us in that effort.”

“Kickstarter has always been a trailblazer, and this is a pivotal moment for tech. We want to set the standard for the entire industry. Now is the time. Come together. Unionize.”

The union also sent an internal email to Kickstarter staff reaffirming four main goals, from solidarity and accountability to the aforementioned transparency and inclusivity. In response, Kickstarter management appeared welcoming of employee concerns - though full approval from higher-ups remains to be seen.

A spokesperson responded: “We’re proud that everyone here at Kickstarter cares deeply about its mission and its future. We’re aware that there are team members at Kickstarter who are interested in forming a union, and we look forward to hearing more about our employees’ concerns.”

Unionisation has become a hot-button topic in the games industry and now appears to be spilling over to tech firms like Kickstarter. But US games trade body the ESA wants no part of the discussion.