Activision Blizzard Workers Challenge Microsoft: Latest Trends in Game Industry

unionize worker at Raven Software , a studio know for Call of Duty game , have file a ailment against Activision Blizzard and Microsoft for allegedly refuse to bargain . The ailment file with the National Labor Relations Board accuse the company of " refusal to bargain / bad religion bargaining . " The worker , who unionize via the Communications Workers of America in 2022 , also claim " change in Terms and Conditions of Employment " and " concert Activities ( retaliation , discharge , Discipline)."

The CWA president , Claude Cummings Jr. , express disappointment over the lack of advancement in reach a carnival agreement since Microsoft 's acquisition of Activision Blizzard . Microsoft , in response to the ailment , state its committedness to negociate in good religion . Raven Software become the first major union in the game industry in 2022 , and the labor neutrality agreement Microsoft have with the CWA was widen to Zenimax staff in May 2024.

The Game Workers Alliance ( GWA ) union , form by Raven Software 's QA worker in 2022 , has confront challenge in reach a collective bargaining agreement with management . Despite initial optimism after unionization , negotiation have been meet with stonewalling tactics from higher - up . The worker have accused management of intervention and pushback in their efforts.

The situation at Raven Software is indicative_mood of a growth tendency in the game industry , with other studio like Spiders and Bethesda Game Studios also facing worker grudge . Spiders recently proverb 44 out of 95 worker sign_language an open letter particularization assorted concern , lead to a plan strike . Meanwhile , both Bethesda Game Studios and World of Warcraft worker have form union with the aid of the CWA , reflect a wide push for worker ' right in the industry.

The challenge confront by unionize worker at Raven Software highlight ongoing issue in the gambling industry , where worker are recommend for carnival treatment , better working conditions , and collective bargaining right . As these issue continue to be bring to light , it remains to be see how company like Activision Blizzard and Microsoft will address the concern raise by their employee and work towards establish more equitable practice within the industry.