Microsoft and the CWA union announce a deal that would make it easier for Activision Blizzard's ~7,000 US employees to unionize after the acquisition closes
The agreement follows a unionization vote by 34 Raven Software QA testers, giving the CWA a broader path into Activision Blizzard rather than leaving organizing concentrated in one studio. It matters because Microsoft is tying its post-acquisition labor approach to an explicit process before the deal closes.
Activision Blizzard’s roughly 7,000 U.S. employees gain an easier route to organize with the CWA once Microsoft’s acquisition closes.
Microsoft commits to a labor process that makes the acquisition consequential not only for Activision Blizzard ownership but also for employee representation.
Second-order effects
CWA can build from the Raven QA organizers toward company-wide organizing, while Microsoft must manage union relations across newly acquired game teams.
If Microsoft continues applying this model across its game studios, labor commitments may become a more durable part of how large game-company acquisitions are structured and integrated.
The pattern shifts leverage toward organized QA workers, whose representation can extend from individual studios to larger employer-wide bargaining units.
The trend: Microsoft’s Activision acquisition is becoming a test case for whether major game publishers will accommodate union organizing through pre-commitments and voluntary recognition.
We are proud to announce that we have entered a ground-breaking labor neutrality agreement with @Microsoft! The agreement will apply to Activision Blizzard workers if Microsoft's planned acquisition is approved. https://cwa-union.org/...
In case this wasn't clear, this is HUGE news! We're thrilled with the news and excited for what the future will hold for greater worker rights and protections in the gaming industry moving forward. Thank you, @BradSmi and everyone that made this happen at @Microsoft. https://twit…
The agreement follows up on several moves #Microsoft has been making over the last two weeks, including a pledge to take an “open and constructive approach” toward #laborunions in #tech. https://www.geekwire.com/...
Microsoft's agreement on Monday to stay neutral in a forthcoming organizing drive at Activision Blizzard, a gaming company it's acquiring, is an apparent breakthrough in an industry that's become notoriously hostile to labor organizing. https://newrepublic.com/...
Using power builds power. Microsoft didn't agree to this from the kindness of their hearts. This is the result of workers acting together in the face of huge odds and building solidarity the company simply couldn't ignore. Go @WeAreGWA @CODE_CWA @CWAUnion! https://twitter.com/...
HUGE. Microsoft agreed not to hire union-busters or oppose their employees' move to form a union, in exchange for CWA not opposing the Activision merger. Amazing how even just the HINT that the feds might enforce antitrust or labor laws makes these companies change their tune. ht…
Earlier this month we announced a set of principles that will guide our approach to labor organizations, and the Activision Blizzard acquisition is our first opportunity to put these principles into practice with the @CWAUnion. https://cwa-union.org/...
This is an important step for @ATVI_AB workers and @CWAUnion and it is good to see that @Microsoft will respect its employees' decisions. I will continue to stand with these video game workers as they fight for better working conditions after their acquisition. #UnionStrong #1u h…
Another win for American workers! Movements are all about momentum. Let's keep this momentum going. Every worker has the right to join a union. It's time for the Senate to pass the PRO Act and protect that right. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...
Microsoft has entered a ground-breaking labor neutrality agreement with @CWAUnion that will apply at Activision Blizzard 60 days after Microsoft's acquisition closes. Read more: https://cwa-union.org/... https://twitter.com/...
This is great news! Every worker who wants to be in a union deserves the opportunity to join one. I'm glad to see @Microsoft respecting this right for Activision Blizzard workers. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...
NEW: Microsoft enters a historically groundbreaking agreement to respect Activision Blizzard employees' right to unionize. It's a so-called labor neutrality agreement. Our story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...