Around 600 workers in Activision Publishing’s quality assurance department have recently formed a union with the assistance of the Communications Workers of America. The employees completed their vote, with the results certified on Friday, March 8th. This union, known as Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA, is the latest addition to the growing number of unions emerging from Microsoft’s gaming division and is currently the largest video game union in the United States.
Microsoft’s labor neutrality agreement with the CWA in 2022 has significantly eased the organization process at the company and its subsidiaries, including Activision Blizzard. Tom Shelley, a technical requirements specialist and one of the organizers of Activision Quality Assurance United, highlighted the role of this agreement and Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in facilitating the unionization efforts. According to Shelley, the merger has created opportunities for workers to freely organize, which has been crucial in their recent success.
Quality assurance workers play a vital role in the video game industry by testing games for bugs and other issues, thus contributing to the success of the companies and the titles they work on. Despite the importance of their work, QA jobs are often seen as entry-level positions with low pay and inadequate protections. This perception has underscored the necessity for labor protections to ensure fair treatment and compensation for QA workers.
Microsoft’s voluntary recognition of unions, such as the one representing 300 QA workers at ZeniMax Online, has set a positive precedent for the industry. The company’s support for the unionization efforts at Blizzard Albany and Raven Software further indicates a commitment to valuing the contributions of QA workers. By acknowledging and supporting these unions, Microsoft is paving the way for increased organizing efforts within the gaming industry.
While video game labor unions have been gaining momentum, they have also encountered challenges, particularly in light of widespread layoffs within the industry. The Communications Workers of America filed an unfair labor complaint against Sega in 2023, alleging plans to phase out temporary employees who were part of the Aegis union formed the previous year. Despite these challenges, union negotiations were able to save a significant number of jobs at Sega, highlighting the importance of collective bargaining in protecting workers’ rights.
The formation of Activision Quality Assurance United – CWA marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and rights for video game industry workers, particularly quality assurance professionals. With the support of organizations like the Communications Workers of America and companies like Microsoft, video game labor unions are making strides towards greater recognition and representation within the industry.
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