Blizzard workers secure first union contract with Microsoft
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Nearly 1,900 video game workers at Blizzard, recently acquired by Microsoft, won their first union contracts in September.
Employees at multiple Activision Blizzard teams, including those who create World of Warcraft and Diablo, voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) starting in 2022. The workers initially organized after layoffs at Raven Software in 2021 led to a strike and a push for union representation.
Microsoft signed a neutrality agreement with CWA, allowing open communication between workers and union representatives in exchange for the union’s support of the acquisition. Negotiations resulted in contracts guaranteeing recall rights and severance packages for laid-off employees, addressing concerns about recent job cuts in the tech and video game industries. The company had faced prior criticism for its workplace culture and allegations of misconduct.
These contracts also establish protections for remote workers, prevent outsourcing that would eliminate American jobs, and require the company to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce. Blizzard workers will now observe International Workers’ Day as a paid holiday and benefit from enforceable policies regarding benefits and working conditions. The CWA now represents 4,000 video game workers at Microsoft and has expanded organizing efforts to other companies like Magic: The Gathering Arena.
